Proposed herein is a mechanism for virulence by Candida albicans based upon this organism's ability to produce high levels of pyruvate, potentially resulting in localized tissue ketosis and undermining the normal defensive function of neutrophil myeloperoxidase. Neutrophils, a key component of our innate defense against microbial infections, seem to play a particularly important role protecting...

Objective: In contrast to humans, neutrophil myeloperoxidase deficiency (MPOD) has been rarely investigated in dogs. The hematology analyzer ADVIA®120 differentiates leukocytes based on the cellular volume and their myeloperoxidase concentration. The aim of this study was the characterization of myeloperoxidase deficiency in dogs and the evaluation of the diagnostic use of the ADVIA®120 Myelope...

Neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils) are highly specialized for their primary function, the phagocytosis and destruction of microorganisms. When coated with opsonins (generally complement and/or antibody), microorganisms bind to specific receptors on the surface of the phagocyte and invagination of the cell membrane occurs with the incorporation of the microorganism into an i...