5 The role of quorum-sensing in the virulence of Pseudomonas ...

log CFU/mg
4
3
2
1
0
0 2 4 6 8
Days post-infection
99
Exp 1
Exp 2
Exp 3
Figure 4-3 shows the CFU numbers recovered from the lungs at 2 and 7 days post-infection
with Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 at 2x10 4 CFU/50µl. Experiment 1 n=2 for each timepoint.
Experiment 2 n=3 for each timepoint. Experiment 3 n=5 for day 1 and n=3 for all other
timepoints. The symbol represents the mean log CFU/mg and the error bar represents the
standard error of the mean. Experiment 1 and 3 mice are 8 weeks old commencing experiment
and experiment 2 mice that were 12 weeks old commencing experiment.
A challenge dose of 2x10 4 CFU/50µl was also attempted with PA14 and ∆PAPI-
1∆PAPI-2. Mice infected with PA14 had undetectable levels of bacteria within the
nasopharynx and lungs at any of the set timepoint. The results of mice infected with
∆PAPI-1∆PAPI-2 are shown in Figure 4-4. CFU numbers were only detected in the
nasopharynx up to 48 hours post-infection.
log CFU/mg
4
3
2
1
0
1
2
Days post-infection
7
Nasopharynx
Lungs
Figure 4-4 shows the CFU numbers recovered from the nasopharynx and lungs at 1, 2 and 7
days post-infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa ∆PAPI-1∆PAPI-2 at 2x10 4 CFU/50µl; n=5
mice for each timepoint. The symbol represents the mean log CFU/mg and the error bar
represents the standard error of the mean.