Current status of granulocyte (neutrophil) transfusion therapy for infectious diseases

The transfusion of neutrophils, or granulocyte transfusion therapy, has long been considered as a logical approach to the treatment of severe bacterial and fungal infections in patients with prolonged neutropenia or intrinsic defects in neutrophil function. However, despite numerous clinical trials, the efficacy and safety of granulocyte transfusion therapy remain controversial. Efficacy has been compromised largely by the inability to transfuse sufficient quantities of functionally active neutrophils to patients. The recent use of recombinant granulocyte colony- stimulating factor (G- CSF) to mobilize neutrophils in donors before centrifugation leukapheresis has rekindled interest in the potential clinical applications of granulocyte transfusion therapy. This review focuses on the use of G- CSF for donor stimulation and summarizes the current status of granulocyte transfusion therapy for treatment of infectious diseases.