Granulocytic Ehrlichiosis in Mice Deficient in Phagocyte Oxidase or Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase

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 intermediates play a role in the early control of HGE.