FUNCTION OF THE POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTES IN PATIENTS WITH BRUCELLOSIS

The aim of the present study was to examine the respiratory burst and phagocytosis of poiymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) function in patien ts with brucellosis. The PMNs respiratory burst was studied by stimula tion with phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and the chemiluminescence (C L) peak response was measured. Phagocytic activity of PMNs was evaluat ed by opsonized yeast uptake. Results showed that CL peak response of PMNs was significantly enhanced in patients with non-complicated, and complicated brucellosis, and following treatment for brucellosis. In c ontrast, the phagocytic activity of PMN (phagocytosis) was markedly in hibited in all groups of patients with brucellosis. The results indica ted that infection with Brucella causes alteration of the physiologica l function of PMNs.