Antibody activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in immune globulins prepared for intravenous use in humans.

Twenty-seven lots of human immune globulin for intravenous use (IGIV) from seven different producers, including one hyperimmune preparation, were examined for immunologic reactivity and opsonic and protective activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All IGIVs contained hemagglutinating antibodies to seven immunotype-specific lipopolysaccharides of P. aeruginosa (geometric mean titer +/- SE, 14 +/- 3 for nonhyperimmune preparations and 420 for the hyperimmune product) and to exotoxin A (77 +/- 15). All IGIVs tested demonstrated opsonic activity against P. aeruginosa in an in vitro granulocyte-dependent bactericidal assay. All IGIVs conferred dose-dependent protection (hyperimmune more so than nonhyperimmune) against fatal burn-wound infections due to P. aeruginosa in mice. In contrast, single lots of hyperimmune and nonhyperimmune IGIV conferred limited protection against infections due to P. aeruginosa in granulocytopenic mice. These studies indicate the potential prophylactic efficacy of IGIV in human pseudomonas disease, and the possible need for high doses of hyperimmune IGIV in granulocytopenic patients.