NEW TECHNIQUE FOR STUDYING THE INTRAPHAGOCYTE FATE OF BACTERIA,
Abstract
A technique for the direct microscopic observation and quantitation of survival of Pasteurella pestis following ingestion by phagocytes in guinea pig peritoneal exudate in vivo is described. Infected phagocytes were removed from the animals at intervals following inoculation, and diluted in appropriate bacteriological media. Microcultures were prepared for observation under the phase microscope. Growth of virulent and avirulent P. pestis within the phagocytes was initiated many hours after ingestion. Without the use of bacteriological media, intraphagocyte organisms grew poorly or not at all in vitro, and visualization of the exudate preparations using phase microscopy was difficult. Initiation of growth in neutrophiles was much less frequent than in microphages. Growth in macrophages often occurred after initial observation of conventionally stained preparations had failed to reveal intracellular organisms. The technique provided further evidence that the phagocytic defense system of guinea pigs is ineffective against P. pestis. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0456335
Entities
People
- Michael J. Surgalla
- Werner A. Janssen
Organizations
- United States Army Biological Warfare Laboratories