Fig 6.

AuNP vaccine efficacy following infection with non-lethal DBS771. (A) Shedding of Stx2d-negative (DBS771) C. rodentium in the feces of AuNP-immunized mice was determined by collecting fecal samples. Counts were expressed as the log CFU/g of feces, and the average CFU (±SEM) of six mice is shown. Significant differences were determined by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparisons test. (B) Body weight changes before and following infection of AuNP-immunized mice with DBS771, expressed as percentage change from before infection. Shown are the averages (±SEM) of 12 mice. Significant differences were determined by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparisons test. (C) Percent survival of n = 12 AuNP-immunized mice that were infected with DBS771. (D-F) To evaluate fecal and organ burden with DBS771 at 14 dpi, feces (D), ceca (E), and large intestines (F) were collected from all remaining mice. Viable counts were expressed as CFU/g of feces or tissue, and the average CFU (±SEM) of six animals per group is shown. Significant differences in fecal and organ burdens were determined via one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s multiple comparisons test.