phagocyte dysfunction
Pronunciation: FAG-oh-sahyt dis-FUNK-shun
Disorders affecting white blood cells responsible for engulfing and destroying pathogens, leading to severe bacterial infections.
Full Definition
Phagocyte dysfunction encompasses a group of primary immunodeficiency disorders affecting neutrophils, macrophages, and other phagocytic cells responsible for innate immunity. These conditions can involve defects in phagocyte migration, pathogen recognition, engulfment, or intracellular killing mechanisms. Examples include chronic granulomatous disease, leukocyte adhesion deficiency, and Chédiak-Higashi syndrome. Children with phagocyte dysfunction typically present with recurrent severe bacterial and fungal infections, often involving catalase-positive organisms. Diagnosis requires specialized functional assays beyond routine blood counts.
Usage
Usage note: Encompasses both quantitative and qualitative defects in phagocytic cell function.
In Context
- "The child's recurrent Staphylococcus aureus abscesses suggested underlying phagocyte dysfunction." — Clinical evaluation
- "Neutrophil function testing confirmed phagocyte dysfunction with impaired intracellular killing." — Diagnostic test result