An alternative role for specific antibody in neutrophil bactericidal activity against highly pathogenic group B streptococci

An investigation was undertaken into the role of antibody and complement in neutrophil phagocytosis and killing of group B streptococci of low and high pathogenicity. Phagocytosis of both types of organism appears to be a nonspecific event requiring only nonspecific antibody or complement. However,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of experimental pathology 1982-01, Vol.63 (4), p.447-451
Main Authors: Cleat, PH, Coid, C R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
antibodies
complement
leukocytes (neutrophilic)
phagocytosis
Streptococcus group B
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Summary:An investigation was undertaken into the role of antibody and complement in neutrophil phagocytosis and killing of group B streptococci of low and high pathogenicity. Phagocytosis of both types of organism appears to be a nonspecific event requiring only nonspecific antibody or complement. However, neutrophil bactericidal activity is mediated by the pathogenicity of the infecting organism. Neutrophils alone can kill some streptococci of low pathogenicity, but their killing ability is considerably increased in the presence of specific antibody or complement. An active role for the alternative pathway of complement in the killing process was demonstrated for organisms of low pathogenicity. Neutrophils did not kill the highly pathogenic organisms in the absence of antibody and complement, and required specific antibody, but not complement, to kill these bacteria. It is suggested that activation of Fc receptors on the neutrophil surface initiates the bactericidal action of the neutrophils.
ISSN:0007-1021