Presence of pili on the surface of Francisella tularensis.

ABSTRACT: Francisella tularensis is a highly infectious gram-negative bacterium with potential for use as a bioweapon. Analysis of the F. tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS) ultrastructure by electron microscopy revealed the presence of long, thin fibers, similar in appearance to type 4 pili. The highly virulent F. tularensis Schu S4 strain was found to contain type 4 pilus genes, and we confirmed that these genes are present and expressed in the LVS.

SUBMITTER: Gil H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC387894 | biostudies-literature | 2004 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature