Improvement of Leukocyte Bactericidal Activity in Chronic Granulomatous Disease

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is characterized by an inability of patients’ leukocytes to generate hydrogen peroxide and to kill non-peroxide-forming bacteria, such as staphylococci and serratiae. We have introduced glucose oxidase into CGD leukocytes in order to generate peroxide and thereby kill S. aureus and S. marcescens. These results support the concept that a leukocyte oxidative deficiency is primary to the pathogenesis of CGD.