The total eubacterial loads were slightly higher (mean difference approximately one order of magnitude) in IFN-γ+/− (HE) and Rag-1+/− (HE) mice as compared to the respective HO mice as well as in IFN-γ+/− (HE) versus WT control animals (p<0.01, p<0.005, and p<0.005, respectively; Fig. 1A). This evidence concerns the gene RAG1 and hereditary elliptocytosis.