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Infect Immun. 1985 December; 50(3): 610-613

Unimpaired function of human phagocytes in the presence of phagocytosis-resistant group A streptococci.

ABSTRACT

The resistance to phagocytosis of the group A streptococci has been attributed mainly to the presence of the surface antigen, M protein. In the present study, we addressed the question of whether the phagocytosis resistance of the group A streptococci is due to their ability to impair the function of the phagocytic cells. The results of these studies demonstrate that the presence of a large excess of a phagocytosis-resistant strain of streptococci does not significantly interfere with either the antibody-independent or the antibody-dependent phagocytosis of streptococci. Apparently, a phagocytosis-resistant strain of streptococci does not bring about a generalized deactivation of the phagocytic plasma membrane. This suggests that if the resistance of the group A streptococci is due to any deactivating influence at all on the phagocytic plasma membrane, it is likely to be confined to the contact area of the cocci with the phagocyte.

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Ryan, P. A., Pancholi, V., Fischetti, V. A. (2001). Group A Streptococci Bind to Mucin and Human Pharyngeal Cells through Sialic Acid-Containing Receptors. Infect. Immun. 69: 7402-7412 [Abstract] [Full Text]