PHAGOCYTIC CELL-FUNCTION IN ACTIVE BRUCELLOSIS

In this study, we analyzed phagocytic cell function in 51 patients wit h active brucellosis and its relationship with different clinical, ser ological, and evolutionary variables, A control group was made up of 3 0 blood donors of similar geographic extraction, age, and sex, with no previous history of brucellosis or known exposure to the infection or specific antibodies. The investigations were carried out at the time of diagnosis, at the conclusion of treatment, and after 6 months of fo llow-up. Polymorphonuclear leukocyte adherence and nitroblue tetrazoli um reduction in response to Brucella antigen were significantly increa sed in the patients at the time of diagnosis with respect to the contr ol group. In contrast, chemotaxis in response to Brucella antigen and phagoeytosis were significantly reduced in the patients with respect t o the control group. The alterations in phagocytic cell function, were greater in patients with bacteremia, with focal forms of the disease, or with a longer diagnostic delay. Most of these initial alterations tended to normalize with treatment, indicating their transient charact er.