engleski

Intracellular survival of Francisella tularensis in Hartmannella vermiformis

Francisella tularensis is a highly infectious, facultative intracellular bacterium and the causative agent of tularemia. The natural reservoir of the bacterium is largely unknown. Although it has been shown that protozoa may harbor it the reservoir in nature has not been definitely identified. In this study, the ability of F. tularensis subsp. novicida to survive and replicate in the amoeba Hartmannella vermiformis was explored. Growth kinetics studies showed that F. tularensis subsp. novicida is able to replicate and survive in amoeba for several days. Electron microscopy was used to determine the intracellular location of F. tularensis in H. vermiformis. The results showed that many F. tularensis cells were located intracellularly in H. vermiformis cells. The bacteria multiplied within intracellular vacuoles and eventually killed many of the host cells. In addition, F. tularensis was also found in intact trophozoites. Taken together, these data suggest that interactions between F. tularensis and amoebae may play a role in the environmental persistence of F. tularensis.

Francisella; Hartmanella; survival

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