FIG. 7.

sCD14 aids in control of F. tularensis SchuS4 replication and dissemination, but not in survival of infection. Mice were infected with F. tularensis SchuS4 in the presence of sCD14. SchuS4-infected mice that received PBS served as negative controls. (A) At the time points indicated, the bacterial loads in their lungs and spleens were determined. Mice treated with sCD14 had significantly fewer bacteria in their lungs compared to PBS controls at each time point assessed. In contrast to PBS-treated controls, sCD14-treated mice did not have any detectable bacteria in their spleens 48 and 72 h after infection. Values that were significantly different (P < 0.05) from the value for the PBS-treated control are indicated (*). (B) sCD14 failed to enhance survival following SchuS4 infection. Values are means plus SEM (error bars). Data are representative of two experiments of similar design.