An examination of the ability of granulocytes to absorb latex particles and Staphylococcus aureus was performed in 32 patients with atopic asthma, 27 patients with atopic asthma and hypersensitive to aspirin, and 20 patients hypersensitive to aspirin only. The control group included 20 healthy subjects. The results of our investigation demonstrate a defect of the ability of granulocytes to absorb latex particles and S. aureus in patients with atopic asthma and hypersensitivity to aspirin.