Is there a role for mannan/mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) in defence against infection following chemotherapy for cancer?
It is now nearly 4 decades since the relationship between the degree of neutropenia and the risk of bacterial and fungal infections was first recognized in patients treated for cancer [1]. Bodey et al. [1] made the observation that as granulocyte counts fell, the frequency, duration and severity of infections dramatically increased. Infections were noted to be worse during relapse of the underlying disease and the failure of leucocytes to recover following an infection carried a very poor prognosis. It is now clear that this is largely determined by both the underlying disease and potency of chemotherapy. Interestingly, however, it is now also apparent that patients differ in their susceptibility to infection in the context of neutropenia. This indicates that other factors are operating to protect patients from infection in this immunocompromised state.