EXPRESSION OF CONCERN
The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and Infection and Immunity (IAI) are issuing this Expression of Concern regarding the following publication:
Meconi S, Capo C, Remacle-Bonnet M, Pommier G, Raoult D, Mege JL. 2001. Activation of protein tyrosine kinases by Coxiella burnetii: role in actin cytoskeleton reorganization and bacterial phagocytosis. Infect Immun 69:2520–2526. https://doi.org/10.1128/IAI.69.4.2520-2526.2001.
ASM and IAI have been notified about concerns regarding potential splicing within Figure 5A, panels a, b, and c, where it appears that these fluorescent cellular data panels could be unacknowledged composite images.
ASM reviewed the figures and confirmed evidence of apparent splicing. ASM sent an inquiry to the authors and requested a response from the authors regarding these concerns but did not receive original images for verification and review. This Expression of Concern is issued to raise awareness of the above-mentioned concerns.
ASM formally requested of the University of Aix Marseille that this paper be included and reviewed as part of a scientific misconduct investigation. The request “is in the hands of the University’s governance,” and the Expression of Concern will be updated accordingly thereafter.