The interaction of Brucella melitensis 16-M and caprine polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

In the present work, a study about the phagocytosis and intracellular killing of the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PNMLs) of goat in animals clinically healthy, vaccinated and inoculated experimentally with Brucella melitensis has been done. During 6 weeks postvaccination and postinfection, the evolution in these animals has been studied. Although animals were inoculated or vaccinated, there was influence in the phagocytosis and intracellular killing phases, even though a very low indices in this last phase, and in every event were given. The nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction indices in PMNLs were also investigated with different fractions of B. melitensis. Very low indices were given, and no influence of a postvaccination or postinfection state was found. Finally, the serum bactericidal action in every animal was studied with Brucella melitensis and this effect was not found.