Lysozyme

The lysozyme test is sometimes used to check the efficacy of treatments given for certain leukemias.

Lysozyme, also called muramidase, is a protein found in white blood cells (granulocytes and monocytes), whose role is to destroy the outer cell wall of bacteria during infections. The lysozyme blood level is usually proportionate to the level of white blood cells that produce it.

Lysozyme levels are measured to help monitor the treatment of certain forms of leukemia. Lysozyme levels can also be high in benign situations such as infections and inflammations, and in other situations such as Crohn’s disease and certain kidney function impairments, including transplant rejection.