ABNORMAL PHAGOCYTIC FUNCTION IN CHILDREN UNDER ONE-YEAR OF AGE

The action of white blood cells (WBC) against Proteus mirabilis was as sayed in 22 children following meningitis or septicaemia and compared with that in control groups of: (1) adult volunteers, (2) children und ergoing minor surgical procedures for non-infective conditions, and (3 ) children being investigated for suspected renal disease. WBC bacteri al killing tests were normal in all 55 adult volunteers. Abnormal resu lts were obtained in 11 of 22 (50%) children with meningitis of septic aemia, 10 of 21 (47.6%) children undergoing surgery and six of 13 (46% ) children with suspected renal disease, thereby indicating that there were no significant differences in phagocytic function among these th ree groups. Of children aged 1 year or less, 75% had abnormal phagocyt ic function. The significance of this finding is discussed.