The expression of CD11b (CR3, complement receptor type three), CD16 (FcR, Fc IgG receptor), and CD35 (CR1, complement receptor type one) on neutrophils obtained from thermally injured patients was examined using immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Because defects in neutrophil function have been related to an increased risk of infection and death following thermal injury, we compared changes in neutrophil subpopulations following thermal injury with the onset of infection. Neutrophils from 34 patients with large thermal injuries were monitored weekly for CD11, CD16, and CD35. Changes in the cell surface antigens over time were compared with the incidence of bacteremia and pneumonia. Although the percentages of CD16+ CD11+ neutrophils were suppressed in almost all patients, the changes which occur in each individual patient rather than the actual values appear to be of major importance. Patients developing bacteremia or pneumonia displayed a significant reduction in both the percentage and absolute number of CD16+ CD11+ neutrophils compared to their preinfection values. The values did not increase until the infections were completely cleared. Patients remaining free of bacteremia or pneumonia usually had lower than normal percentages of CD16+ and CD11+ neutrophils with no predictable pattern being noted. The percentage of CD35+ neutrophils dropped within 1 week following thermal injury in all patients but did not correlate with the onset of infections.