Effect of O₂ tension on microbicidal function of leukocytes in wounds and in vitro

The authors measured in vitro the killing of Staphylococcus aureus 502 A as a function of oxygen tension, and they determined the effect of environmental O₂ concentration on survival of Staph aureus in vivo in experimental wounds in rabbits. Since hypoxia retarded killing of Staph aureus by leukocytes in vitro and in experimental wounds in animals, they conclude that the increased infectability of hypoxic wounds can be largely attributed to impaired killing of Staph aureus by wound leukocytes at low oxygen tensions. The data also indicate, however, that mild hyperoxia can enhance bacterial killing and increase resistance to infection.