• A man who was suffering from recurrent staphylococcal infection had antecedent symptoms of severe pruritus. Laboratory investigations showed leukocytosis with eosinophilia, hyperimmunoglobulinemia of all fractions, but particularly of IgE, and a deficiency of cellmediated immunity on in vivo testing. Phagocytosis and bactericidal activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes were normal, but a cellular and serum-associated defect in leukocytotaxia was present. Ultrastructural changes were observed in polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
Association of impaired leukocytotaxia and elevated levels of IgE is not uncommon. Recurrent bacterial infections in the patient described are probably related to defective chemotaxis.
(Arch Dermatol 114:1372-1378, 1978)