Fig 2. Comparisons of osteomyelitis parameters observed in Δpsmα (●○)-, Δpsmαβhld ▲△)- and with LAC-WT (◆◇)–infected non-survivors (black) and D14 survivors (white).

(A) Median bacterial bone densities, expressed in log₁₀ CFUs/g of bone. The Δpsmα- or Δpsmαβhld-infected non-survivors differed significantly from those infected with LAC WT. (B) Mean histological scores (0–4: none, minimal, mild, moderate, severe) for lung involvement. The bacterial densities in Δpsmαβhld-infected non-survivors differed significantly from those infected with LAC WT (*P = .017), whereas inflammation was more severe in Δpsmαβhld- and Δpsmα-infected D14 survivors than those infected with LAC WT (**P = .04 and ***.01, respectively).