PORCINE INTERFERON-GAMMA INHIBITS THE GROWTH OF LEGIONELLA-PNEUMOPHILA IN WIREF CELLS IN-VITRO

The intracellular growth of Legionella pneumophila in WiREF (Wistar ra t embryonal fibroblast) cells was inhibited by porcine interferon-gamm a. The effect was compared with that of different human interferons (a lpha and gamma). The growth inhibition was dose-dependent and required the pretreatment of WiREF cells with interferon. The development of a n antibacterial state of the cells was observed. When interferon was a dded together with bacteria or 1 d after the infection there was no in hibition. Also, there was no direct antibacterial effect of the interf eron. In addition, cell pretreatment with a combination of interferon and antibiotics failed to show a synergistic effect.