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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Using Enhanced Green Fluorescence Protein-expressing Escherichia Coli to Assess Mouse Peritoneal Macrophage Phagocytosis
Published on: January 4, 2019
[Evaluation of the modulatory effects of in vivo antibiotics on phagocytosis in mice using various methods]
Abstract:
The influence of cefoxitin and cefotaxim on phagocytosis in vitro and intracellular microbicidal activity of peritoneal macrophages and granulocytes was examined. In addition, the influence of these antibiotics on the elimination rate of Candida was controlled 4 and 24 hours after intraperitoneal injection. The two antibiotics were shown to have no influence on phagocytosis of Candida. Microbicidal activity was inhibited only by cefoxitin. This result is consistent with the reduction of metabolic activity of phagocytes caused by cefoxitin but not cefotaxim, in vivo as well as in vitro. Both antibiotics induce a reduction of Candida cells recovered 4 hours after intraperitoneal injection. However, the effect of cefotaxim was significantly more pronounced than that of cefoxitin. 24 hours after infection, the result was comparable but the number of Candida cells recovered in the spleen was higher with cefoxitin than with cefotaxim. The clinical bearing of these results remains to be discussed.
Insights
Cefoxitin and cefotaxim antibiotics did not affect Candida phagocytosis. Cefoxitin inhibited microbicidal activity, while both antibiotics reduced Candida load post-infection, with cefotaxim showing a stronger effect.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Mycology
Background:
- Antibiotics can modulate host immune responses.
- Understanding immune cell function during fungal infections is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of cefoxitin and cefotaxim on phagocytosis and intracellular microbicidal activity.
- To assess the effect of these antibiotics on Candida elimination in vivo.
Main Methods:
- In vitro assessment of phagocytosis and microbicidal activity of macrophages and granulocytes.
- In vivo evaluation of Candida elimination rates after intraperitoneal injection in mice.
- Measurement of metabolic activity of phagocytes.
Main Results:
- Neither cefoxitin nor cefotaxim affected Candida phagocytosis.
- Cefoxitin inhibited microbicidal activity, correlating with reduced phagocyte metabolic activity.
- Both antibiotics reduced Candida load at 4 hours post-injection, with cefotaxim being more effective.
- At 24 hours, cefoxitin led to higher Candida recovery in the spleen compared to cefotaxim.
Conclusions:
- Cefoxitin impairs phagocyte microbicidal function, while cefotaxim exhibits a more favorable effect on early Candida elimination.
- The differential effects of these antibiotics on host-pathogen interactions warrant further clinical investigation.
