ABSTRACT

Leukocidins produced by Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa that are cytotoxic to polymorphonuclear leukocytes and macrophages but not to erythrocytes and other cells are called leukocidal toxins. These toxins are clearly distinct from various cytotoxins that possess cytotoxicity not only to phagocytes but also to other cells. Leukocidal toxins are known to be important in the pathogenicity to staphylococcal and pseudomonal infections.