Contribution of alveolar phagocytes to antibiotic efficacy in an experimental lung infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae

Citation
W. Calame et al., Contribution of alveolar phagocytes to antibiotic efficacy in an experimental lung infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, J INFECTION, 42(4), 2001, pp. 235-242
Citations number
35
Categorie Soggetti
Immunology
Journal title
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
ISSN journal
01634453 → ACNP
Volume
42
Issue
4
Year of publication
2001
Pages
235 - 242
Database
ISI
SICI code
0163-4453(200105)42:4<235:COAPTA>2.0.ZU;2-R
Abstract
Objectives: The effect of cyclophosphamide-induced leukocytopenia on the ce llular defence and on the efficacy of penicillin treatment in a Streptococc us pneumoniae pneumonia model in mice was studied. Methods: The number of alveolar phagocytes was determined in broncho-alveol ar lavage (BAL) fluid as well as the number of bacteria in both BAL fluid a nd homogenized lung tissue. Results: Eighteen and 21 h after infection, leukocytopenic animals had sign ificantly lower numbers of alveolar phagocytes than controls, while the num bers of bacteria in both BAL fluid and lungs were significantly higher. The number of bacteria was inversely related to the dose of penicillin and the number of alveolar macrophages. The number of alveolar granulocytes was in versely related to the dose of penicillin. Conclusions: Leukocytopenia due to cyclophosphamide impairs the cellular de fence in the lung against Streptococcus pneumoniae and the dose of penicill in must be increased to compensate for the higher outgrowth of bacteria in these leukocytopenic mice, compared to normal animals. (C) 2001 The British Infection Society.