[The function of microphages in chronic recurrent pyodermias].

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) function tests were performed in 20 patients suffering from chronic recurrent pyogenic skin infections and, in addition, in 20 healthy individuals. As for in vitro tests, investigations of chemotaxis, intracellular killing and NADH dependent oxidase activity were included. Compared to the control group, a marked impairment of chemotaxis but totally normal microphage motility, a significantly decreased intracellular killing of ingested microorganisms by these phagocytes and an almost phagocytosis of viable and heat-inactivated Candida albicans cells could be detected in the examined patients. These results once again demonstrate the extraordinary importance of PMNL in the body's primary defense mechanisms.