Granulocytic ehrlichiosis in mice deficient in phagocyte oxidase or inducible nitric oxide synthase

Abstract

Mice deficient in phox (gp91(phox-/-)) or NOS2 (NOS2(-/-)) were infected with the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) to evaluate the importance of these pathways in the eradication of HGE bacteria. NOS2(-/-) mice had delayed clearance of the HGE agent in comparison to control or gp91(phox-/-)) mice, suggesting that reactive nitrogen intermediate play a role in the early control of HGE.