Leukocytic function in malakoplakia.

Leukocytic functions were studied in a patient with malakoplakia that involved the urinary tract and retroperitoneum in whom recalcitrant infections due to Escherichia coli developed. Polymorphonuclear leukocytic functions and monocytic chemotaxis were normal. Killing of E coli and Staphylococcus aureus by the patient's monocytes was impaired. This defect persisted after the infections were successfully treated and the treatment with antimicrobial agents was discontinued. Stimulated nitro blue tetrazolium reduction by the patient's monocytes was normal, suggesting that the microbicidal defect was not in the oxygen-dependent microbicidal system. Total lysozymal content of patient's monocytes was normal. Thus, the basis for this microbicidal defect is still undefined.