Role of granulocytes and monocytes in the prevention and therapy of experimental Staphylococcus epidermidis endocarditis in rabbits.

Rabbits with endocarditis caused by Staphylococcus epidermidis were studied to determine the parts played by granulocytes and monocytes in the prevention or outcome of therapy with cloxacillin. Both monocytes and granulocytes influenced prophylaxis with cloxacillin. The amount of cloxacillin needed to prevent infection in 50% of the rabbits was significantly less in control rabbits than in those selectively depleted of monocytes, as it was also in rabbits selectively depleted of monocytes compared with those that had both granulocytopenia and monocytopenia. Granulocytes strongly potentiated the effect of cloxacillin during prophylaxis, whereas the contribution of monocytes was merely additive. Monocytes also contributed to the effect of therapy with cloxacillin, partially via a cloxacillin-independent mechanism and partially by potentiation of the effect of cloxacillin. Granulocytes did not appear to affect cloxacillin therapy. Results of this study suggest that currently used regimens for prophylaxis and treatment of S. epidermidis endocarditis may need to be adjusted for neutropenic patients.