Immunoglobulin abnormalities in man

Human leucocytes and infection

When infection has occurred almost every type of leucocyte has a function which can contribute to the patient's recovery. Cooperation between different leucocytes takes place, and these cellular activities persist until all microorganisms have been controlled. A deficiency of one particular leucocyte function can often be compensated for by extra activity of another.

In the presence of severe infection many leucocyte functions in vitro, have been shown to be altered, often in a direction which might indicate immunodeficiency. These findings are probably secondary phenomena caused by a relative excess of antigen or of particulate debris. Various drugs can also reduce leucocyte function. All these points need consideration during the investigation of children or adults who have chronic refractory infections.