Phagocytosis and killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by mouse polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro promoted by antiserum to the slime glycolipoprotein.

The resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear leukocytes was overcome by opsonization with antibody to slime glycolipoprotein or, to a lesser extent, with complement. Resistance was most effectively overcome in the presence of both. Protection against viable-cell challenge conferred by anti-glycolipoprotein serum in experimental infection is discussed briefly in the light of these findings.