Sensitivity of Francisella tularensis to ultrapure water and deoxycholate: implications for bacterial intracellular growth assay in macrophages

J Microbiol Methods. 2011 Jun;85(3):230-2. doi: 10.1016/j.mimet.2011.03.006. Epub 2011 Mar 21.

Abstract

The ability of Francisella tularensis to replicate in macrophages is critical for its pathogenesis, therefore intracellular growth assays are important tools for assessing virulence. We show that two lysis solutions commonly used in these assays, deionized water and deoxycholate in PBS, lead to highly inaccurate measurements of intracellular bacterial survival.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Deoxycholic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Francisella tularensis / drug effects*
  • Francisella tularensis / growth & development
  • Macrophages / microbiology*
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Microbial Viability / drug effects
  • Water / pharmacology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Deoxycholic Acid
  • Water