Figure 2
BP1026B_II1198 is attenuated in the BALB/c mouse model. (a) Mice infected with wildtype Bp 1026b (n = 5) did not survive beyond day four post challenge while mice infected with the BP1026B_II1198 mutant (n = 5) were able to survive for the duration of the study (62 days). Comparison of both experimental groups by Log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test shows a significant difference (P = 0.0031) in survival. Mice were challenged with a lethal dose (4500 CFU/mouse) via the intranasal route. (b) Lungs, livers, and spleens of the surviving mice were harvested, homogenized, and plated revealing persistent infection within the lungs of four mice, liver of one mouse, and spleen of three mice. No detectable bacteria were found in the lungs of one mouse, livers of four mice, and spleens of two mice (circles along x-axis).
