SURGICAL INFECTIONS - PATHOGEN VERSUS HOST

An attempt has been made to present a useful classification of the etiological factors in the development of surgical infections. The role of the host has been emphasized, but the author in no way wishes to draw attention away from the importance of strict adherence to aseptic and antiseptic principles. A few simple tests combined with a thorough clinical evaluation will usually detect the nature of abnormalities of host resistance. A newly developed test for measuring neutrophil function appears to be particularly useful. A cyclical variation in the neutrophil function of the healthy persons has been discovered which may be of importance in the pathogenesis of unexpected infections. © 1968.