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Opsonophagocytic Killing Assay to Assess Immunological Responses Against Bacterial Pathogens
08:47

Opsonophagocytic Killing Assay to Assess Immunological Responses Against Bacterial Pathogens

Published on: April 5, 2019

Anti-Pseudomonas heat-stable opsonins in acute lymphoblastic leukemia of childhood

M R Wollman, L S Young, D Armstrong

    The Journal of Pediatrics
    |March 1, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) show decreased Pseudomonas aeruginosa opsonization during treatment and near death. This reduced immune activity may increase severe Pseudomonas infections in these patients.

    Area of Science:

    • Immunology
    • Pediatric Oncology

    Background:

    • Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are susceptible to infections.
    • Opsonic activity is crucial for phagocytosis and bacterial clearance.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate heat-stable opsonic activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis in children with ALL during treatment.
    • To determine if decreased opsonic activity correlates with infection risk in ALL patients.

    Main Methods:

    • Sera from 33 children with ALL were collected at various treatment stages.
    • Heat-stable opsonic activity against P. aeruginosa and S. epidermidis was measured.
    • Opsonization levels were compared to pretreatment and control groups.

    Main Results:

    • Anti-Pseudomonas opsonic activity was normal at diagnosis but significantly decreased post-remission and prior to death.
    • Anti-Staphylococcus epidermidis opsonic activity remained unchanged throughout the disease course.
    • Pretreatment opsonic activity against P. aeruginosa was significantly higher than in patients near death.

    Conclusions:

    • Decreased anti-Pseudomonas opsonic activity during ALL treatment and at disease progression may contribute to severe Pseudomonas infections.
    • Opsonic activity against S. epidermidis is not affected by ALL treatment.
    • Targeting Pseudomonas infections requires understanding the immune deficits in ALL patients.

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