Host Defense Against Opportunist Microorganisms Following Trauma.
Abstract
Studies were performed to further investigate two abnormalities of host defense in burned patients, i.e., serum-mediated inhibition of polymorphonuclear leukocyte bactericidal activity and reduction in alternative complement pathway mediated C3 conversion. In addition, studies were initiated to determine the association between colonization of body surfaces with Candida, Candida antigenemia, and systemic candidosis. Serum-mediated inhibition of polymorphonuclear leukocyte bactericidal activity was demonstrated in 3 of 12 burned patients during 13 to 56 days postburn. Decreased bactericidal activity was related to an inhibitory effect of the burn sera on the phagocytic process, which was not associated with cell death. The reduction in alternative pathway mediated C3 conversions was demonstrated in 18 burned patients, with the most marked reduction occurring in patients with large full-thickness injuries and infectious complications. Evidence was provided to suggest that this abnormality was caused by a dialyzable low molecular weight inhibitor. Systematic candidosis occurring in 2 of 8 hyperalimented burned patients was associated with catheter and catheter insertion site colonization with Candida and Candida antigenemia as detected by the inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mouth appeared to be the primary reservoir for Candida providing a source of Candida for colonization of the catheter insertion site. (author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA116141
Entities
People
- Ann B. Bjornson
- H. Stephen Bjornson
- Josef E. Fischer
- William A. Altemeier
Organizations
- University of Cincinnati