Table 2.

Description of genes functions used in this study

Genes	Virulence-related function	References
orgA	Host recognition/invasion	[35]
sipB	Entry into nonphagocytic cells, killing of macrophages	[36]
sitC	Iron acquisition	[37]
spiA	Survival within macrophage	[30]
iroN	Iron acquisition	[27]
sifA	Filamentous structure formation	[29]