Neutrophil phagocytic and killing activities in children with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

ABSTRACT

Phagocytic activity, lytic activity and nitroblue tetrazolium [N.V.T] reduction capacity were assayed in children with G-6-P-D deficiency. 30 children were included; 10 as controls, 20 with severe G-6-P-D deficiency. All were subjected to complete blood picture, screening test of G-6-P-D deficiency, quantitative determination of G-6-P-D, estimation of phagocytic and lytic activity of the neutrophils using Candida albicans and estimation of N.B.T. reduction activity of the neutrophils using Candida albicans and estimation of N.B.T reduction activity of neutrophils. The study showed the phagocytic activity of neutrophils to be normal, while the lytic activity and N.B.T reduction ability were significantly decreased in G-6-P-D deficient group when compared with the control group. There was a positive correlation between erythrocyte G-6-P-D activity and N.B.T reduction capacity by neutrophils of patient group. Lastly, it was found that neutrophil bactericidal activity and N.B.T reduction capacity are deficient in subjects with G-6-P-D deficiency, and this plays a significant role in creasing incidence of infection among such children