Phagocytosis and Killing of <i>Francisella tularensis</i> by Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes

Abstract

Bacteria of a wild strain of Francisella tularensis were less efficiently killed by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes than were bacteria of an attenuated strain. This finding was explained to some extent by a less efficient phagocytosis, but bacteria of the wild strain also seemed to be more resistant to killing after ingestion.