The effects of T4 and A3/R phage preparations on whole-blood monocyte and neutrophil respiratory burst

Viral Immunol. 2010 Oct;23(5):541-4. doi: 10.1089/vim.2010.0001.

Abstract

Bacteriophages (viruses of bacteria) are currently considered a promising means of treating antibiotic-resistant infections. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the intensity of the whole-blood monocyte and neutrophil respiratory burst induced by purified preparations and lysates of the bacteriophages T4 and A3/R. While A3/R phage preparations did not induce a significant respiratory burst, T4 phage preparations increased the production of reactive oxygen species in a dose-dependent manner. However, the intensity of the phage-induced respiratory burst was much lower than that triggered by heat-inactivated Staphylococcus aureus cells. These results suggest that phage preparations are not likely to induce oxidative stress following their administration to patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacteriophages / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Monocytes / immunology*
  • Neutrophils / immunology*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Respiratory Burst*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / immunology

Substances

  • Reactive Oxygen Species