Opsonic fibronectin is known to modulate macrophage (RE cell) and neutrophil Phagocytic function. Its depletion has been documented following trauma, burn, and operation in patients with rapid restoration of normal levels unless bacteremia and/or wound sepsis intervenes. Sepsis is associated with a secondary phase of opsonic fibronectin deficiency. We have observed in burn patients that this secondary phase of opsonic fibronectin depletion following trauma and burn is seen two to three days prior to the onset of clinical sepsis, raising the question of whether this deficiency sensitized the host to the subsequent development of sepsis or whether its deplection was merely an unsuspected sensitive indication of preclinical sepsis. To address the possibility that opsonic fibronectin deficiency might lower resistance to sepsis, Sprague-Dawley rats (200 gm) were partially depleted (35%) of their opsonic fibronectin prior to intraperitoneal inoculation with Staphylococcus aureus. Mortality to S. aureus peritonitis was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in animals with fibronectin deficiency. Furthermore, in control animals, nonsurvival was also associated with significantly (p < 0.05) lower initial fibronectin levels than survival. However, peritonitis itself also resulted in an early (within one hour) depletion of opsonic fibronectin followed by a marked "hyperopsonemia" within 12 hours in both groups. Thus, opsonic fibronectin depletion decreases resistance to sepsis, and the development of sepsis itself will initiate opsonic fibronectin deficiency. Host defense against infection may depend on early restoration and maintenance of normal opsonic fibronectin levels following trauma, burn, and operation, as well as the ability of the host to mount an appropriate hyperopsonemic elevation of fibronectin levels in response to infection.