Allelic replacement of <i>srv</i> lead to increased lesion size in a murine subcutaneous infection model.

<p>(A) Groups of 10 mice (Crl:SKH1-hrBR) were challenged subcutaneously with ∼2.0×10⁸ CFU (0.1 ml) of either MGAS5005 or MGAS5005Δ<i>srv</i>. Representative images of lesions formed at 1, 3 and 8 dpi are shown. (B) The area of the lesion formed (mm²) was measured with a caliper daily. Lesions formed by MGAS5005Δ<i>srv</i> were significantly larger (<i>p</i>≤0.05) than those formed by MGAS5005 by 2 dpi (Student's t-test).