Variable Neutralization of Several Nonspecific Antibacterial Systems in Fresh, Defibrinated Human Blood by Sodium Polyanetholsulfonate and Sodium Amylosulfate

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Abstract
Fresh, defibrinated human blood (80 vol%, i.e., 80% [vol/vol] of a 2 ml final assay volume) from 2 healthy adult donors killed delayed serum-sensitive (DSS) and promptly serum-sensitive (PSS) strains of Serratia marcescens, PSS control strain Escherichia coli C, Bacillus subtilis strain ATCC 6633 and Micrococcus lysodeikticus [M. luteus] ATCC 4698 in a kinetic manner comparable to that of fresh human serum (80 vol%). Heat-inactivated (56.degree. C, 30 min), defibrinated human blood revealed markedly reduced or a total lack of .beta.-lysin activity against the B. subtilis assay strain. Lysozyme activity of defibrinated blood was diminished somewhat by heat treatment, as determined with the M. lysodeikticus assay strain. Addition of 500 .mu.g of sodium polyanetholesulfonate (SPS)/ml to 80 vol% of fresh, defibrinated human blood completely neutralized blood bactericidal activity against all assay strains of S. marcescens, E. coli C, and B. subtilis; SPS at this concentration failed to abolish lysozyme activity for prolonged periods of incubation. Addition of 500 .mu.g of sodium amylosulfate (SAS)/ml to 80 vol% of fresh defibrinated human blood resulted in protection of cell inocula of DSS strains of S. marcescens only; SAS failed to protect cell inocula of the PSS strains of S. marcescens, E. coli C, B. subtilis and M. lysodeikticus for extended periods of observation. Blood culture specimens 1st drawn into specimen containers (such as Vacutainer tubes or the like) at the patient''s bedside which contain .gtoreq. 250 .mu.g of SPS/ml should be diluted into suitable broth media with at least .gtoreq. 250 .mu.g of SPS/ml by the receiving laboratory within 2-4 h after procurement of the specimen. This procedure would ensure continued, adequate neutralization of the specimen''s inherent .beta.-lysin, lysozyme and complement- and antibody-mediate bactericidal activities.