The effect of fosfomycin on neutrophil function

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Microbiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Fosfomycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis.
• Neutrophils are critical immune cells involved in combating bacterial infections.
• Understanding antibiotic effects on neutrophil function is crucial for optimizing antimicrobial therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of fosfomycin on key neutrophil functions.
• To assess how fosfomycin influences phagocytosis, bactericidal ability, calcium signaling, and reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) production.

Main Methods:

• Neutrophil phagocytosis and intracellular ROI were analyzed using flow cytometry.
• Cytosolic calcium kinetics were measured fluorometrically.
• Bactericidal ability was assessed via fluorescence microscopy.
• Extracellular ROI production was determined using a cytochrome c reductase assay.

Main Results:

• Fosfomycin did not affect neutrophil phagocytosis.
• Enhanced neutrophil bactericidal ability was observed.
• Increased intracellular calcium concentrations and elevated extracellular ROI production were noted.
• Neutrophil chemotaxis was decreased, while chemokinesis and intracellular ROI production remained unaffected.

Conclusions:

• Fosfomycin modulates neutrophil function, enhancing bactericidal capacity and calcium signaling.
• The antibiotic's effect on chemotaxis warrants further investigation in the context of infection control.
• Fosfomycin may offer immunomodulatory benefits beyond its direct antimicrobial activity.