Histone preopsonisation increases the respiratory burst response of phagocytes to Pneumocystis carinii

Preincubation of Pneumocystis carinii with histone caused an increase in polymorphonuclear leucocyte and macrophage chemiluminescence when parasites were mixed with phagocytes compared with that obtained when unopsonised parasites were used. Toxic oxygen moieties released during the respiratory burst may cause tissue damage.