Nitroblue Tetrazolium (NBT)‐Dye Test and the Myeloperoxidase Reaction of Human Leukocytes

Abstract

Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT)‐dye tests were performed on blood specimens obtained at the time of admission or during the course of hospitalization from 498 patients and 150 healthy persons. In the healthy group, persons over 3 years of age showed mean percentages of 19.16 ± 5.03 of NBT‐positive neutrophils. On the other hand, infants from 3 months to 3 years of age showed decreased values of NBT‐dye reduction. Patients suffering from acute bacterial or fungal infections, or cryoglobulinemia showed high percentages of NBT‐positive neutrophils. Most patients with viral or tuberculous infections demonstrated normal or slightly attenuated values of NBT‐dye reduction. Patients who had been receiving corticosteroids for long periods, those in severe stages of diabetes mellitus, and those receiving radiotherapy or anticancer drugs had remarkably impaired NBT‐dye reduction. We examined the myeloperoxidase reactions, since we knew that patients with myeloperoxidase deficiencies have been reported to have disseminated candidiasis and to be defective in the ability of neutrophils to kill Candida albicans. We confirmed the fact that most persons had equal levels of myeloperoxidase and were unable to find anyone with a deficient myeloperoxidase syndrome among 450 individuals. © jointly owned by author and Igakushoin (Publisher)