Identification of genes contributing to the virulence of Francisella tularensis SCHU S4 in a mouse intradermal infection model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Francisella tularensis is a highly virulent human pathogen. The most virulent strains belong to subspecies tularensis and these strains cause a sometimes fatal disease. Despite an intense recent research effort, there is very limited information available that explains the unique features of subspecies tularensis strains that distinguish them from other F. tularensis strains and that explain their high virulence. Here we report the use of targeted mutagenesis to investigate the roles of various genes or pathways for the virulence of strain SCHU S4, the type strain of subspecies tularensis.

Methodology/principal findings

The virulence of SCHU S4 mutants was assessed by following the outcome of infection after intradermal administration of graded doses of bacteria.

SUBMITTER: Kadzhaev K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2675058 | biostudies-literature | 2009

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature