Abstract
Killing capacities of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) and the serum opsonic activity were investigated in 15 children with measles. Of them, 7 had bacterial infection secondary to the measles. The mean values for killing capacities of the patients were significantly impaired when compared with those of the control group which consisted of 15 healthy age-matched children (P < 0.001). These defects were present during the early stages of the measles. The serum opsonic activity was normal.