Francisella Tularensis Clades B.FTN002-00 and B.13 Are Associated With Distinct Pathology in the European Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus)

摘要: Tularemia is a severe disease caused by Francisella tularensis This bacterium has major pathogenic potential in countless animal species as well humans. Despite the relatively significant body of literature available on this microorganism, many questions are still open concerning its biological cycle environment, pathology and pathogenesis disease, possible routes infection animals, pathologic ecological relevance distinct phylogenetic clusters F. In order to address these questions, we have thoroughly characterized microbiology terminally ill European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) infected with subsp. holarctica, collected Switzerland from 2012 2014. F isolates were typed defining their clusters. We showed that associated holarctica belonging clade B.FTNF002-00 different previously reported be B.13. particular, strains almost invariably splenitis hepatitis not polyserositis affecting pleura, pericardium, kidney for infections describe findings suggesting ports entry bacteria might respiratory digestive routes.