Ability of peripheral blood neutrophils from patients with infectious bronchial asthma to engulf latex particles and reduce nitroblue tetrazolium.

In 42 patients with infectious bronchial asthma, aged 18-44 years (average 34) the levels of serum IgM, IgG, IgA and IgE were measured. Additionally, latex particles engulfment and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) tests according to the method of Park modified by the authors were performed. The control group consisted of 20 healthy people aged 22-45 years (average 39). It was found that in patients with infectious bronchial asthma, during the dyspnoeic attack a defect occurs in the engulfment of latex particles by peripheral blood granulocytes: The ability of granulocytes to engulf latex particles is inversely proportional to the IgG levels in sera of infectious asthma patients.