title: [Chemotaxis defect and recurrent E. coli meningitis].
abstract: The increased susceptibility to bacterial infections due to a decreased chemotaxis of neutrophil granulocytes was investigated in a premature small for gestational age baby, who such suffered from recurrent E. coli-meningitis. Causes as anatomic lesions, brain abscess, septic granuloumatosus disease and the Chédiak-Higashi-anomaly were ruled out. At the age of 9 and 13 weeks chemotaxis function compared to age-matched and adult controls was diminished. Addition of serum from healthy adults increased directed migration without reaching normal levels. The study of the complement status revealed a diminution of CH50, the alternate pathway components and C6-C9. Thus, decreased chemotaxis is believed to originate from a combined intrinsic-extrinsic defect. No relapses of infection were observed during prophylactic treatment with ascorbate and cotrimoxazole. Intrinsic as well as extrinsic chemotaxis became normal at the age of 7 months. Simultaneously, complement status was found to approach normal levels. The relevance of haematologic-immunologic evaluation in cases of relapsing severe bacterial infections in preterm newborns is discussed.
mesh_terms: D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte; D003170:Complement Pathway, Alternative; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000172:deficiency; D004927:Escherichia coli Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006098:Granulocytes / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000378:metabolism; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000276:immunology; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007964:Leukocytosis / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008581:Meningitis / Q000276:immunology*; D012008:Recurrence; D018805:Sepsis / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D007136:Immunoglobulins; D003165:Complement System Proteins
vernacular_title: Chemotaxis-Defekt und rezidivierende E. coli-Meningitiden.