Fig 6.

Influence of disruption of bfrA and bfrB genes of M. tuberculosis on the survival of guinea pigs postinfection. Guinea pigs infected with M. tuberculosis H37Rv/pJV53 or H37Rv ΔbfrA ΔbfrB through the aerosol route were monitored for survival (n = 6). The experiment was started with a bacillary load of 5 to 10 CFU in lungs at 1 day postinfection. Bacillary burden in lungs and spleen was monitored at 5, 10, and 16 weeks postinfection. Remaining guinea pigs (n = 6) were monitored for survival up to 21 weeks postinfection.