[Phagocytosis of cell wall defective bacteria by human macrophages (author's transl)].

Statistically significant better phagocytosis of spheroplasts was found by comparing the rate of phagocytosis of normal and Penicillin-G induced cell wall defective bacterial (spheroplasts) by human macrophages in isotonic media using a Proteus mirabilis strain as test organism. This provides additional information concerning the minor role of cell wall defective bacteria as persisters in chronic infections.