14th February 2024

Neutrophil disorders

Examples

Chronic granulomatous disease

A hereditary condition (either X-linked or autosomal recessive) which reduces the ability of neutrophils and macrophages to phagocytose bacteria and fungi, leading to recurrent infection and the formation of post-infective granulomas throughout the body. The diagnosis is made with neutrophil-function testing and genotyping for specific mutations. Treatment is with antibiotic prophylaxis and early recognition of infection.

Leukocyte adhesion deficiency

A rare autosomal recessive condition which affects the ability of B and T cells to migrate from the blood to affected tissue, which has pathogenic bacteria. Severe disease often has a high mortality rate in infanthood. Causes recurrent bacterial infections, frequently from Staph aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Diagnosis is made with flow cytometry and genetic testing.

References

• Angel A, Vaillant J, Ahmad F (2022). Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539770/
• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (2022) Chronic Granulomatous Disease
• Available from: https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/chronic-granulomatous-disease-cgd