[Therapy and prophylaxis of experimental staphylococcal nephritis of the rabbit with gamma-globulin and F(ab')2-fragments (author's transl)].

Prophylactic and therapeutic effects of immunoglobulins and their combination with ampicillin were studied in an experimental bacterial nephritis model after i.v. injection of Staphylococcus aureus into rabbits. Untreated human IgG and a preparation containing F(ab')2-pieces were investigated on therapeutic effects. Both antibody preparations prevented the lethal purulent inflammation of kidneys when injected immediately before the infection. The course of the pathological process after infection was positively influenced by both immunoglobulins. The globulin containing F(ab)2-fragments was more effective. Repeated applications showed also a more significant therapeutical effect than did single treatment. Ampicillin was less effective against this resistant staphylococcus strain, in combination with immunoglobulins it was fully effective. F(ab')2-pieces of the human IgG activate the alternate pathway of the complement system, too, and are able to penetrate into cells. The antibacterial effect may be caused by this behaviour.