[Effect of Pseudomonas immunoglobulin on the antibacterial activity of human phagocytes]

The in vitro influence of a pseudomonas immunoglobulin in active and inactivated serum on the bactericidal activity and phagocytosis of human polymorphonuclear leukocytes was evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. No lysis of the bacteria could be found in either serum, however, the bactericidal activity of the leukocytes was significantly enhanced in active serum (p less than or equal to 0.05); whereas no effect was measurable in inactivated serum. Phagocytosis could be increased in concentrations of 10% immunoglobulin, (equivalent to 5 mg IgG/ml); however, a concentration of 15% showed a lower phagocytosis index which was comparable to that in the 5% preparation. This immunoglobulin proved to be able to support the bacterial phagocytosis and killing of P. aeruginosa by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro.