Comparative proteome analysis of cellular proteins extracted from highly virulent Francisella tularensis ssp. tularensis and less virulent F. tularensis ssp. holarctica and F. tularensis ssp. mediaasiatica

Abstract

Francisella tularensis is the causative agent of the zoonotic desease tularemia. Four subspecies of this pathogen, namely ssp. tularensis, mediaasiatica, holarctica, and novicida are spread throughout the northern hemisphere.

Although there are marked variations in their virulence to mammals, the subspecies are difficult to identify as they are closely genetically related.