Leukotactic Activity and Reduction of Nitroblue Tetrazolium by Neutrophil Granulocytes from Patients with Streptococcal Skin Infection

To determine whether leukocyte responsiveness is related to the typical rapid localization that occurs in streptococcal skin infection, the leukotactic responses of neutrophil granulocytes from 20 patients with streptococcal pyoderma were compared with those of 20 age-matched controls. An increased response in unidirectional movement toward a chemotactic stimulus without evidence of increased nitroblue tetrazolium reduction was found in leukocytes from patients with active streptococcal skin infection. Increased leukotactic activity of circulating neutrophils appears to be an early and sensitive response to streptococcal invasion of the skin. The hyperactive leukotactic response may contribute to the rapid localization of streptococci to the skin.