[Value of the nitroblue tetrazolium test (NBT) in the clinical diagnosis of bacterial infections].

107 patients and 27 normal individuals underwent the NBT test, as described by PARK et al., in order to ascertain whether it helps to diagnose a bacterial infection. The patients studied consisted of a group with bacterial infections, and a further group suffering from a variety of internal organic diseases of non-bacterial genesis. At the same time, the absolute leucocyte count, the differential blood count, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and the leucocyte phosphatase were evaluated. In 84% of the patients with bacterial infections, the values of the NBT test, which are normally between 3 and 14%, were considerably higher, while the value in patients without bacterial infection was only 4% higher than the normal rate. Neither with the leucocyte count, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the deviation to the left, nor with the alkaline leucocyte phosphatase was such accuracy obtainable. It is, however, essential that the methodology is closely observed, as even slight changes during the processing can alter the result. The evaluation of the preparations by an experienced analyst is, of course, prerequisite.