The effect of fosfomycin on neutrophil function

Fosfomycin (cis-1,2-epoxypropyl phosphonic acid) is a cell wall synthesis-i nhibiting antibiotic. We investigated the effect of fosfomycin on several i ndices of neutrophil function. Neutrophil phagocytosis was analysed by flow cytometry. Cytosolic calcium kinetics were assessed fluorometrically and n eutrophil bactericidal ability was assessed by fluorescence microscopy. Int racellular reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) production was analysed by fl ow cytometry and extracellular ROI by cytochrome c reductase assay. After f osfomycin incubation, phagocytosis was unaffected as assessed by the FAGS a ssay. Fosfomycin incubation resulted in enhanced bactericidal ability, in i ncreased intracellular calcium concentrations, elevated extracellular ROI p roduction and decreased chemotaxis but it did not affect intracellular ROI production and chemokinesis.