This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Haemophilus ducreyi is the etiologic agent of the genital ulcer disease chancroid. Two H. ducreyi proteins, named OmpP2A and OmpP2B, have homology with other major porin proteins. Porins bear important antigenic determinants, provide membrane stability, and influence antibiotic susceptibility (1-3). Porins are targets of human bactericidal antibodies (4). The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that an OmpP2A OmpP2B double mutant is impaired in its ability to infect human skin when compared to its isogenic parent. To test this hypothesis, we will compare the ability of the parent and the mutant to cause experimental infection in human subjects. These studies will establish whether expression of OmpP2A and OmpP2B is required for H. ducreyi to cause pustules, and may provide a rationale to develop a vaccine against H. ducrey
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