Defective Candida Opsonin and Procidin Function in Patients with Recurrent Pyogenic Infection: A Common Immunodeficiency

Abstract

Polymorphonuclear cell function tests were performed in 340 patients with recurrent unexplained infections. Serum-dependent defects in phagocytosis and intracellular killing of Candida albicans (Candida opsonin and procidin defects) were specifically associated with susceptibility to recurrent pyogenic infections, Candida opsonin defects occurring in 12.7% and Candida procidin defects in 20.8% of patients compared with 3.7% of healthy controls. Saccharomyces cerevisiae opsonin deficiencies were also found frequently in patients with recurrent infections, being present in 18.2% compared with 7.4% controls, although not specifically in those with pyogenic infection.

Aetiology of chronic suppurative lung disease.

“…However, we have identified the same range of abnormalities in other children presenting with recurrent respiratory tract infections but without evidence of bronchiectasis. 6 The serum dependent defects of neutrophil function and panhypogammaglobulinaemia are treatable and, if detected early, might have prevented irreversible lung damage.…”