Phagocytosis and candidacidal activity of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in uremia.

The phagocytic and candidacidal functions of polymorphonuclear leukocytes were evaluated in uremic patients. Neutrophils were derived from 12 patients treated by regular hemodialysis, eight nondialyzed uremic patients (glomerular filtration rate less than 20 ml/min), and nine healthy subjects. The ability of the neutrophils, suspended in autologous plasma, to phagocytize and kill Candida albicans cells was determined in vitro.