Diminished bactericidal capacity for group B streptococci of neutrophils from children with chronic granulomatous disease.

The bactericidal capacity of neutrophils from healthy adults, male children with chronic granulomatous disease, and obligate heterozygote mothers for type Ic group B streptococci was assessed, using a fluorochrome microassay. Neutrophils from patients with chronic granulomatous disease had impaired bactericidal capacity for group B streptococci when compared with adults (P less than 0.01). Carriers demonstrated intermediate killing capacity.