In Vitro Phagocytosis of Transitional Phase Bacterial Variants Utilizing Autoradiography 1

Abstract

Summary

Autoradiographic localization of tritiated thymidine labeled E. coli 04 transitional phase variants in an in vitro phagocytic mixture containing polymorphonuclear leukocytes has revealed a significantly lower phagocytic index for these cell wall deficient organisms when compared to the parent bacteria from which they were derived. Although type specific antisera caused expected opsonization of the classical bacteria, there was no marked effect with the variants. The variants did not produce any detectable cytopathogenic effect on the leukocytes whereas the parent organisms were clearly toxic. The ability of such variants to resist phagocytosis may thereby provide an advantage for survival of an organism in the host and possibly lead to microbial persistence.