Genome Sequencing of European Francisella tularensis Isolates
Author Information
Author(s): Chaudhuri Roy R., Ren Chuan-Peng, Desmond Leah, A. Vincent Gemma, Silman Nigel J., Brehm John K., Elmore Michael J., Hudson Michael J., Forsman Mats, Isherwood Karen E., Guryčová Darina, Minton Nigel P., Titball Richard W., Pallen Mark J., Vipond Richard
Primary Institution: Division of Immunity and Infection, University of Birmingham
Hypothesis
What are the origins of European isolates of Francisella tularensis subspecies tularensis?
Conclusion
The Schu S4 laboratory strain is likely the source of the European isolates of Francisella tularensis subspecies tularensis.
Supporting Evidence
- The genome of the European isolate FSC198 is almost identical to that of the US strain Schu S4.
- Only eight SNPs and three VNTR differences were found between the two genomes.
- The study suggests that human activities may have contributed to the presence of these isolates in Europe.
Takeaway
Scientists found that a type of bacteria causing a serious disease in Europe is almost the same as a strain used in labs in the US, suggesting it might have come from there.
Methodology
Whole-genome shotgun sequencing was used to determine the complete genome sequence of a European isolate and compared it to a North American laboratory strain.
Limitations
The study does not rule out the possibility of laboratory contamination as a source of the European strains.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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