Immunization with the <i>FTL_0325</i> mutant induces an early inflammatory response.

Abstract

<p>BALB/c mice were infected with 1×10⁷ CFU of the <i>F. tularensis</i> LVS, <i>FTL_0325</i> or <i>FTL_0304</i> mutant and the lungs were harvested at the indicated times, sectioned and stained with H & E. Representatives of H & E stained lung sections are shown. Infiltration of neutrophils is shown in the inset (Magnification 10×; Inset 100×). Ψ = Mice infected with 1×10⁷ CFU of <i>F. tularensis</i> LVS succumbed to infection by day 7 PI and hence were unavailable for comparison. Green arrows indicate the sites of cellular infiltration. Yellow circles in inset show neutrophilic infiltration in the lungs of <i>FTL_0325</i> mutant immunized mice.</p