Cell-mediated immune response in gonococcal infection

A peripheral leukocyte migration inhibition test has been used to demonstrate cellular immunity to a protein component of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Human leukocytes served as effector cells in an agarose method to distinguish antigen-sensitive from nonsensitive individuals. Leukocytes, preincubated with antigen, were placed in wells in medium 199 agarose. After 18 h of incubation the migration index was calculated by dividing the area of migration of cells preincubated with antigen by the area of migration of the control cells. Significant migration inhibition was demonstrated for 16 of the 30 patients with uncomplicated gonorrhoea. Maximum inhibition was obtained 7-10 days following the onset of symptoms and the duration of the response varied from 14 to more than 40 days. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the number of previous infections and migration inhibition. A control group, which included individuals with Neisseria meningitidis infection, showed an insignificant response to this gonococcal antigen. Although these results indicate the presence of cell-mediated immunity, the significance of this response in the protection of the host or in the pathogenesis of gonococcal disease has yet to be determined.