Bactericidal kinetics of newborn polymorphonuclear leukocytes against group B streptococci type III.

In vitro intracellular and total bacterial group B Streptococcus type III (GBS-III) survival as well as bactericidal indices at incubation times ranging from 0 to 120 minutes were comparable in newborn and adult polymorphonuclears (PMN). It appears that under appropriate opsonic conditions the phagocytic kinetics of normal newborn PMN against GBS-III are not different from those of adult PMN.