Rapid flow cytometric studies ofBorrelia burgdorferiphagocytosis by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

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Abstract
The interactions between a strain of Borrelia burgdorferi and human polymorphonuclear leukocytes were studied by flow cytometry in the presence of specific or non-specific opsonizing factors. The capacity of the borrelias to stimulate leukocyte metabolism was also investigated. The results indicated that a low phagocytosis by isolated purified polymorphonuclear leukocytes did occur in the preesnce or absence of specific antibodies. Within whole blood the percentages of phagocytosing leukocytes increased in the presence of non-specific opsonizing factors. No stimulation of the oxidative metabolism stimulated by Borrelia was observed and PMA or zymosan stimulation of leukocytes was inhibited by the spirochaetes.