The influence of encapsulation upon the ability of Klebsiella pneumoniae to survive whilst airborne and to cause lung disease in mice |
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Authors: | Nina J. Bolister |
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Affiliation: | Department of Animal Husbandry, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS18 7DU, UK |
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Abstract: | Cultures of a strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae were prepared, both with intact capsules and with only a residual layer of exopolysaccharide remaining. No significant difference in the survival of the two sets of bacteria was observed in aerosols at 60% relative humidity. The decapsulated bacteria multiplied less rapidly in mouse lungs than did the intact bacteria for the first 24 h after animal exposure. However, no subsequent difference in multiplication rate was observed. |
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