Mapping the Genetics of Host Resistance to Francisella tularensis

摘要

Abstract The bacterial pathogen Francisella tularensis is a potential biological weapon by virtue of its ease of propagation, broad host range, myriad of transmission routes and extraordinary virulence. The highest morbidity and mortality is associated with pneumonic tularemia initiated by inhalation of F. tularensis. Little is known about genetic variations in host susceptibility to F. tularensis infections. C57/B6 and DBA inbred mouse strains exhibit varying susceptibility to F. tularensis infection. A series of mouse strains have been created by crossing the B/6 and DBA lines. We are determining the susceptibility of these cross-bred strains to F. tularensis using an intranasal inoculation route of infection with highly virulent Schu S4 F. tularensis strain. The results will be used to map genetic resistance and susceptibility alleles to F. tularensis infection in order to define host traits that affect susceptibility to this infectious agent.