The role of hepatic lectins and the activity of the mononuclear phagocyte system in systemic Listeria monocytogenes infection in Balb/c mice.

Hepatic lectin blocking experiments with D-galactose in Balb/c mice showed that parenchymal liver cells are obviously not involved in Listeria monocytogenes infection (strain SLCC 4013, 5 X 10(6) cells i.v.). Using the bacterial immunomodifier Propionibacterium avidum KP-40 the importance of an activated mononuclear phagocyte system in the early stage of Listeria infection could be demonstrated.