Heterozygous shgGE13814 mutant adults are more sensitive to fungal infection (B. bassiana) than wild type controls. This increase in sensitivity is seen following both natural infection and infection through septic injury. No reduction in survival is seen following wounding or in response to infection with Gram-negative bacteria (Ecc-15). A fall in survival rate is seen in response to the Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus, but not M. luteus. The number of hemocytes in shgGE13814/+ mutant flies is similar to wild type but these hemocytes are defective in the uptake of B. bassiana fungal spores. Defects are also seen in the phagocytic uptake of E. coli and S. aureus. The number of plasmatocytes in heterozygous shgGE13814 third instar larvae is similar to wild type, as is the number of crystal cells. As in wild type, strong melanisation occurs in response to injury.
