Interaction between Pseudomonas pseudomallei and cultured rabbit peritoneal macrophages.

The interaction between two strains of Pseudomonas pseudomallei of different virulence with normal and immune rabbit peritoneal macrophages was compared in vitro. Phagocytic activity of macrophages and bacterial survival within macrophages were dependent upon the virulence of the bacterial strain and the immune status of the macrophages. Virulent bacteria were more resistant than the less virulent strain to phagocytosis and destruction. Immune macrophages were more phagocytic and bactericidal than normal macrophages. Specific immune serum facilitated ingestion and destruction of bacteria by both normal and immune macrophages.