Survival of recombinant M. smegmatis strains after infection of U937 at an MOI of 10:1. (A) U937 cells were infected with recombinant M. smegmatis strains containing vector only (♦), PE_PGRS 17 (▪) at the MOI of 10. At 24, 48, and 72 h after infection, the macrophages were washed and lysed. Lysates containing the live bacteria were diluted gradually and then plated on 7H10 agar plates to determine CFU. (B) Growth of 2 recombinant M. Smegmatis strains containing vector only (♦), PE_PGRS 17 (▪) at 37°C in 7H9 liquid media were assayed by OD600 values. Similar results were obtained in three independent experiments.