Polymorphonuclear phagocytosis and killing in workers occupationally exposed to hexachlorobenzene.

Phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Candida albicans and Candida pseudotropicalis by neutrophils from 66 workers exposed to chlorinated compounds were studied. Phagocytosis with both antigens was normal in all the workers studied. However, lytic activity of the neutrophils in the presence of both antigens, C. albicans and C. pseudotropicalis was impaired. These findings might be related to a derangement in the antioxidant mechanisms and to some interference with GSH levels that might lead to the abnormal functions observed in neutrophils.