A serum-dependent defect of neutrophil function in chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis.

Investigations into the immunological functions of three patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis were carried out. Phagocytosis of Candida albicans, nitroblue tetrazolium dye reduction, complement, and immunoglobulin levels were normal. Candidacidal assays using the neutrophils of the patients in autologous serum showed significant decreases below normal levels. This decrease in kill could be corrected by incubating the patients' cells in normal control or human AB serum. Cross-over serum studies also showed that the patients' sera had inhibitory effects on the candidacidal capacity of normal neutrophils. These changes in kill were related to candida antibody levels.