The Effect of Antibiotics on Escherichia coli Ingested by Macrophages 1

Abstract

Summary

Macrophages obtained from mouse peritoneal washings or the culture of human peripheral monocytes, were incubated in vitro with opsonized E. coli. Macrophages containing viable E. coli were then incubated with either rifampin, gentamicin or ampicillin. Only rifampin killed all intracellular and extracellular bacteria whereas gentamicin and ampicillin eradicated only extracellular bacteria. Rifampin is able to penetrate macrophages and kill bacteria that have survived phagocytosis.