[The nitroblue tetrazolium test in the diagnosis of purulent meningitis (author's transl)].

The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction test was performed in 26 children suffering from purulent meningitis using the technique of Gifford and Malawista modified by Kim et al. 53.,% of the children showed a relative and absolute elevation in the nelative NBT-value only, 15.4% had an absolute elevation of the formazan cell count only, and 19.2% showed values within the normal range. While the elevation of the relative NBT-value is important for diagnosis, results showing normal absolute and relative NBT-values or elevate absolute NBT-values only should not be used for establishing the diagnosis of bacterial infection. In such cases the negative result may demonstrate a neutrophil dysfunction state during severe systemic illness.