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Effect of clindamycin on the intracellular bactericidal capacity of human peritoneal macrophages

C W de Fijter1, H A Verbrugh, H C Heezius

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Free University Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Insights

Clindamycin enhances the ability of peritoneal macrophages to kill Staphylococcus epidermidis, reducing bacterial survival within these cells. This suggests clindamycin may be effective in treating peritonitis related to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Bacterial survival within macrophages contributes to relapsing Staphylococcus epidermidis peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients.
  • Understanding intracellular bacterial killing is crucial for effective peritonitis treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of oral clindamycin on the intracellular killing of Staphylococcus epidermidis by human peritoneal macrophages.
  • To assess clindamycin's impact on bacterial uptake and survival within macrophages.

Main Methods:

  • Eight continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients received oral clindamycin (300 mg qid) for one day.
  • Peritoneal macrophages were isolated from patient effluents.
  • Macrophage phagocytosis and intracellular killing of S. epidermidis were measured in the presence and absence of clindamycin.

Main Results:

  • Clindamycin significantly increased S. epidermidis uptake (32% vs 17%) and intracellular killing (70% vs 42%) by macrophages.
  • After 18 hours, clindamycin-treated macrophages showed decreased bacterial viability (-0.33 log cfu/ml).
  • Control macrophages showed increased bacterial growth (+1.46 log cfu/ml) over 18 hours.

Conclusions:

  • Clindamycin enhances peritoneal macrophage function against S. epidermidis.
  • Antibiotics that suppress intracellular bacterial growth warrant further study for CAPD-related S. epidermidis peritonitis treatment.

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