Population structure of Francisella tularensis

J Bacteriol. 2006 Jul;188(14):5319-24. doi: 10.1128/JB.01662-05.

Abstract

We have sequenced fragments of five metabolic housekeeping genes and two genes encoding outer membrane proteins from 81 isolates of Francisella tularensis, representing all four subspecies. Phylogenetic clustering of gene sequences from F. tularensis subsp. tularensis and F. tularensis subsp. holarctica aligned well with subspecies affiliations. In contrast, F. tularensis subsp. novicida and F. tularensis subsp. mediasiatica were indicated to be phylogenetically incoherent taxa. Incongruent gene trees and mosaic structures of housekeeping genes provided evidence for genetic recombination in F. tularensis.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Division
  • Francisella tularensis / classification
  • Francisella tularensis / genetics
  • Francisella tularensis / growth & development*
  • Francisella tularensis / isolation & purification
  • Genes, Bacterial
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Phylogeny
  • Population Growth
  • Water Microbiology

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AM261086
  • GENBANK/AM261205