Infection, Dermatitis, Increased IgE, and Impaired Neutrophil Chemotaxis: A Possible Relationship

Eleven patients with recurrent bacterial infections were found to have impaired neutrophil chemotaxis. The infections were primarily staphylococcal abscesses involving the skin and the respiratory tract. All patients had chronic eczematous dermatitis and an elevated level of serum IgE. The peripheral blood eosinophil count was equal to or greater than 10% of the circulating leukocytes in 10 of 11 patients. Associated findings in some patients included urticaria and oral or cutaneous Candida infection. These observations suggest a relationship between chronic dermatitis, elevated serum IgE level, eosinophilia, defective neutrophil chemotactic responsiveness, and recurrent pyogenic infections of skin and lungs.