Increased Phagocytosis of Escherichia coli Pretreated with Subinhibitory Concentrations of Cyclacillin or Ampicillin

Abstract

Abstract

When incubated with subinhibitory concentrations of cyclacillin or ampicillin E. coli became more susceptible to subsequent phagocytosis by normal mouse monocytes (peritoneal exudate cells). Incubation for as little as 1 hr markedly increased the phagocytosis, which in turn was associated with increased intracellular killing of antibiotic-treated bacteria. Regardless of the length of time of incubation of the penicillin-resistant E. coli with potassium penicillin G there was no significant increase in phagocytosis.