Serum opsonic activity and peripheral neutrophil counts before and after exchange transfusion in infants with early onset group B streptococcal septicemia.

Serum opsonic antibody activity and peripheral neutrophil counts were measured in 41 infants who received an exchange transfusion of fresh whole blood for early onset group B streptococcal septicemia. Immature and mature neutrophils increased significantly in the peripheral blood post-exchange transfusion among survivors. Increases in opsonic antibody levels did not reach statistical significance following exchange transfusion. It is possible that exchange transfusion with fresh whole blood may enhance mobilization of neutrophils in infants with adequate bone marrow storage pools. A prospective controlled study is required to evaluate properly the role of exchange transfusion in infants with group B streptococcal sepsis.