Interferon induction and granulocyte function in patients with viral meningitis.

In 22 consecutive patients with acute viral meningitis we studied the ability of neutrophilic granulocytes to phagocytize yeast particles, the interferon (IFN) levels in serum and cerebrospinal fluid as well as the activity of the enzyme 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase in peripheral lymphoid cells. During the acute stage of illness a decreased phagocytosis of the neutrophils was demonstrated, while the adherence of yeast particles to the cells was increased. This was accompanied by the presence of IFN in the cerebrospinal fluid and an increase in the 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthetase activity of peripheral lymphoid cells. About two months after onset of symptoms the synthetase activity and the phagocytic activity of granulocytes were restored to normal levels. The results of this study may indicate that the impaired neutrophil function in viral disease is influenced by increases in IFN levels in vivo.