The influence of opsonization with specific antibody and complement on the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction of neutrophil granulocytes. A methodological study and a clinical application.

The NBT reduction of granulocytes, increased in the presence of bacteria, was further enhanced bl specific antibody. The enhancement was dose-dependent and increased by complement. Clinically, the NBT test was used for measuring specific antibody in sera from patients after severe infections. With sera from 10 out of 14 patients with proven or suspected septicemia the NBT reduction was enhanced because of the presence of specific antibody. These results correlated well with the bacteriological findings and supported the view that the bacteria isolated from blood were relevant for the disease.