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Phagocytosis of Mycoplasma salivarium by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes

C F Parkinson, P B Carter

    Infection and Immunity
    |February 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Human leukocytes can eliminate Mycoplasma salivarium without specific antibodies. Phagocytosis by monocytes and neutrophils effectively disrupts and destroys these bacteria, reducing their numbers significantly.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Microbiology
    • Cell Biology

    Background:

    • Human leukocytes, including monocytes and neutrophils, are key components of the innate immune system.
    • Mycoplasma salivarium is a bacterium that can colonize various human mucosal surfaces.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the mycoplasmacidal activity of human peripheral blood leukocytes against Mycoplasma salivarium.
    • To elucidate the cellular mechanisms involved in the elimination of Mycoplasma salivarium by leukocytes.

    Main Methods:

    • Incubation of human peripheral blood leukocytes with varying concentrations of Mycoplasma salivarium.
    • Quantification of Mycoplasma salivarium colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter over time.
    • Electron microscopy to visualize the interaction between leukocytes and Mycoplasma salivarium.

    Main Results:

    • Leukocytes exhibited mycoplasmacidal activity against Mycoplasma salivarium in the absence of specific antiserum.
    • A significant decrease in CFU per milliliter was observed, particularly at a ratio of five mycoplasmas per leukocyte.
    • Electron microscopy confirmed phagocytosis of Mycoplasma salivarium by monocytes and neutrophils, followed by disruption within phagocytic vacuoles.

    Conclusions:

    • Human leukocytes possess an intrinsic capacity to eliminate Mycoplasma salivarium through phagocytosis.
    • Monocytes and neutrophils play a crucial role in the innate immune response against Mycoplasma salivarium infections.
    • Phagocytosis leads to the disruption and degradation of ingested Mycoplasma salivarium within leukocytes.

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