Phagocytic and bactericidal activity of granulocytes in diabetic children.

Phagocytic and bactericidal activity of granulocytes were estimated in granulocytes of normal and diabetic children. The influence of candidal, tuberculin antigens, and staphylococcal antitoxin on these parameters was also tested. Thirty diabetic and forty healthy children made up the study group. Their ages were 6-18 yr. The disease duration was from 1 to 12 yr. Granulocytes from diabetic children demonstrated a normal ability to absorb staphylococcus. On the other hand, the capacity for intercellular killing of bacteria by granulocytes of diabetic children was decreased.