The role of complement and antibody in opsonophagocytosis of type II group B streptococci

Abstract

The role of complement and antibody in the opsonophagocytosis of type II group B streptococci (type II GBS) was defined with sera from healthy adults and two populations with theoretical susceptibility to type II GBS infection--neonates and insulin-dependent diabetics. Significant opsonophagocytosis (bactericidal index, greater than or equal to 90%) of five clinical isolates of type II GBS lacking components of protein antigen c was demonstrated by each of 12 adult sera, as well as by agammaglobulinemic serum, a result indicating that opsonophagocytosis can proceed by antibody-independent activation of the classic complement pathway. Strains containing components of protein antigen c were somewhat more resistant to opsonin-binding activity. Four of 10 neonatal sera and nine of 15 diabetic sera exhibited inefficient opsonophagocytosis. Some of the adult sera with either high or low concentrations of specific antibody to type II GBS promoted opsonophagocytosis via the alternative complement pathway, but this response was not observed with neonatal sera. The addition of sufficient amounts of specific antibody to type II GBS to neonatal and adult diabetic sera in vitro, however, promoted efficient opsonophagocytosis via the alternative pathway.