Abstract
The primary function of neutrophils is to engulf and destroy invading pathogens. If the bactericidal capacity of neutrophils is defective, an individual may suffer from enhanced susceptibility to potentially fatal microbial infection. To identify such defects, and to investigate the mechanisms used to kill bacteria, the bactericidal activity of neutrophils must be accurately quantified. This chapter provides details of a comprehensive microbiological technique that quantifies neutrophil bactericidal activity by measuring the loss of viability of ingested bacteria over time. Two variations of this technique are presented: a simple “one-step” protocol providing a composite measure of phagocytosis and killing, and a more advanced “two-step” protocol that allows calculation of separate rate constants for both of these processes.
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© 2007 Humana Press Inc., Totowa, NJ
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Green, J.N., Winterbourn, C.C., Hampton, M.B. (2007). Analysis of Neutrophil Bactericidal Activity. In: Quinn, M.T., DeLeo, F.R., Bokoch, G.M. (eds) Neutrophil Methods and Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 412. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-467-4_21
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-59745-467-4_21
Publisher Name: Humana Press
Print ISBN: 978-1-58829-788-4
Online ISBN: 978-1-59745-467-4
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