Skip to main content
  • Research article
  • Open access
  • Published:

Comparison of virulence of Francisella tularensis ssp. holarctica genotypes B.12 and B.FTNF002-00

Abstract

Background

Two main genetic groups (B.12 and B.FTNF002-00) of Francisella tularensis ssp. holarctica are endemic in Europe. The B.FTNF002-00 group proved to be dominant in Western European countries, while strains of the B.12 group were isolated mainly in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. The clinical course of tularemia in the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) also shows distinct patterns according to the geographical area. Acute course of the disease is observed in hares in Western European countries, while signs of sub-acute or chronic infection are more frequently detected in the eastern part of the continent. The aim of the present study was to examine whether there is any difference in the virulence of the strains belonging to the B.FTNF002-00 and B.12 genetic clades.

Results

Experimental infection of Fischer 344 rats was performed by intra-peritoneal injection of three dilutions of a Hungarian (B.12 genotype) and an Italian (B.FTNF002-00 genotype) F. tularensis ssp. holarctica strain. Moderate difference was observed in the virulence of the two genotypes. Significant differences were observed in total weight loss values and scores of clinical signs between the two genotypes with more rats succumbing to tularemia in groups infected with the B.FTNF002-00 genotype.

Conclusions

Results of the experimental infection are consistent with previous clinical observations and pathological studies suggesting that F. tularensis ssp. holarctica genotype B.FTNF002-00 has higher pathogenic potential than the B.12 genotype.

Background

Francisella tularensis, the aetiological agent of tularemia is a Gram-negative, zoonotic bacterium with a broad host spectrum showing preference for infecting Lagomorphs and Rodents. F. tularensis ssp. tularensis is endemic in North America and it has two subpopulations (A.I -containing three major subgroups: A.I.3, A.I.8 and A.I.12- and A.II), which differ in their geographic distribution, host and vector preference, virulence and genetic characteristics [1, 2]. F. tularensis ssp. holarctica is moderately virulent; it is endemic all over the Northern Hemisphere, but despite its wide distribution, isolates within this subspecies show little genetic diversity [1]. High resolution molecular techniques (whole genome sequencing with single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection) differentiated two main genetic groups of F. tularensis ssp. holarctica in Europe (B.12 and B.FTNF002-00) with distinct geographic distribution [1]. The B.FTNF002-00 group proved to be dominant in Western European countries (France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain), and the B.12 group was isolated mainly in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe (Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Norway, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, Ukraine) and the European part of Russia, while both genotypes were detected in Germany and Switzerland [1, 311]. Whole genome analysis of B.FTNF002-00 and B.12 genotypes revealed distinct genetic differences (e.g. smaller overall genome size of genotype B.FTNF002-00 compared to B.12; differences in gene sizes or orientations and the effects of SNPs in protein coding) which may be the result of a selection process acting on B.FTNF002-00 potentially leading to enhanced virulence and replication potential of this genotype [12]. Differences can be detected in pathological signs of tularemia in European brown hares (Lepus europaeus, the reservoir species of the bacterium in Central Europe) in distinct geographical regions in Europe. In Hungary (Eastern Europe), necropsy findings in hares generally include granulomatous lesions in the lung, pericardium and kidneys due to a sub-acute or chronic infection [13], while signs of an acute clinical course (splenomegaly, congestion and haemorrhagic lesions of organs) have been described in hares that succumbed to tularemia in France and in the Netherlands [14, 15]. Results of a recent publication confirmed that lesions observed in brown hares infected by F. tularensis ssp. holarctica genotype B.12 differ from those associated with the genotype B.FTNF002-00 in Switzerland where both genotypes are present in nature [16].

The use of Fischer 344 rats was preferred in previous experimental Francisella infections when feasibility of vaccination or the host’s early innate immune response were examined. Fischer 344 rats reflected best the human susceptibility to tularemia and showed higher resistance to the pathogen compared to other laboratory animals (e.g. mice) [1720]. Difference in susceptibility of Fischer 344 rats to F. tularensis ssp. tularensis wild and reference (SCHU S4) strains, and F. tularensis ssp. holarctica wild (strain from the B.12 clade) and live vaccine (LVS) strains was also described earlier [18]. As intra-peritoneal challenge was shown to be the most successful route in experimental infections with Francisella spp., it is considered to be an appropriate way to highlight differences in the hosts’ susceptibility to tularemia or in the virulence of bacterial strains [18, 21].

In this study the virulence of B.FTNF002-00 and B.12 F. tularensis ssp. holarctica genotypes was compared in Fischer 344 rats performing experimental infection by the intra-peritoneal route.

Methods

Bacterial strains

Genotype B.FTNF002-00 F. tularensis ssp. holarctica strain was originally isolated in 2006 from a European brown hare in Italy (strain ID: PV/21851/2006). Genotype B.12 was isolated in 2008 from a European brown hare in Hungary (strain ID: FTH24/08). Strain PV/21851/2006 was subcultured three times before the experiments, while strain FTH24/08 was gained after a mouse passage and three subcultures. Bacterial strains were cultured on modified Francis agar (chocolate agar supplemented with 1% glucose and 0.1% cysteine) for 48 h at 37 °C and 5% CO2. Colonies from these cultures were first suspended in sterile saline and adjusted to 0.5 McFarland turbidity. Subsequently 100 μl of each dilution from a tenfold dilution series of the previous suspension was inoculated on modified Francis agar and incubated for 48 h to determine the number of colony forming units (CFU; 4 × 107). For the infection of the Fischer 344 rats, fresh bacterial colonies were suspended in sterile saline and adjusted to 0.5 McFarland turbidity, and then diluted in sterile saline to obtain 100, 101 and 102 CFU suspensions. Following the experimental infection of the rats, CFUs were checked from the used dilutions on modified Francis plates after 48 h of incubation.

Experimental infection

Age matched (7 weeks) female Fischer 344 rats (Charles River Laboratories Inc., Wilmington, MA, USA) were used in the study. The animals were kept in accordance with all national and institutional regulations. The animal experiment was performed according to the guidelines approved by the National Ethical Committee (permit number: PEI/001/1927-4/2015) and the ethical committee of the Institute for Veterinary Medical Research. The rats (6 animals/group) were injected via the intra-peritoneal route with 100 μl inocula containing either 100, 101 and 102 CFUs of the B.FTNF002-00 or B.12 genotypes of F. tularensis ssp. holarctica. A group of 6 Fischer 344 rats injected intra-peritoneally with 100 μl sterile saline was used as a negative control in the experiment. After infection, the animals were checked and measured at 24 h intervals by the same person for 21 days. Clinical signs were registered throughout the experiment and they were used to establish three categories (mild, moderate and severe) of disease severity to be used in the analyses (Table 1). Rats that did not succumb to the infection were euthanized by CO2 overexposure at the end of the experiment. Slide agglutination test was performed at necropsy with heart blood, using the commercially available F. tularensis antigen (Bioveta, a.s., Ivanovicena Hané, Czech Republic). After a gross pathological examination, tissue samples were collected from the lungs, thymus, liver, spleen, kidneys, small and large intestine, muscle, bone marrow and brain (cerebrum and cerebellum), fixed in 8% neutral buffered formalin and submitted for histological and immunohistochemical examinations.

Table 1 Categories of clinical signs shown by Francisella tularensis ssp. holarctica infected Fischer 344 rats

Histology and immunohistochemistry

Pathological changes were studied by light microscopy on four-micrometer thick sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue samples stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Immunohistochemical examinations were performed as described before [22]. In brief, sections were de-paraffinized and incubated in 3% H2O2 solution for 10 min and in 2% solution of skimmed milk powder for 20 min. The sections were incubated overnight at 4 °C with anti-F. tularensis hyperimmune rabbit serum diluted 1:30,000 in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Antibody binding was detected using anti-rabbit antibodies with horse-radish peroxidase (HRP)-labelled polymer following manufacturer’s instructions (EnVisionTM + Kit; Dako, Denmark). Non-infected rat tissue samples served as a negative control. For some sections antiserum was replaced by PBS to rule out the possibility of any nonspecific binding. Lesions and immunoreactivity were evaluated by a single pathologist in a treatment-blinded manner. The amount of antigen in the lung, liver and spleen was graded based on the number of affected organs and antigen observations/field of vision at 100x magnification (scored as minimal: <10 observations in only one organ; low: <10 observations in two or three organs; moderate: 10–20 observations in two or three organs; high: >20 observations in all three organs).

Statistical analysis

The results of the experimental infection experiments were compared with independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test in Statistica software (Dell Software, Version 13.1., Aliso Viejo: Dell Inc., CA, USA). The virulence of the B.FTNF002-00 and B.12 groups was compared based on the statistical analyses of the total weight loss and severity of clinical signs (graded as none = 0, mild = 1, moderate = 2 and severe = 3). Total weight loss represents the percent change in body weight on the day when the smallest weight was measured (minimum weight) relative to the weight of the day of infection (initial weight) for each animal (Additional file 1). Clinical sign scores recorded between days 1 and 13 post infection were compared between groups infected with the two genotypes using Mann-Whitney U test (Additional file 1).

Results

All rats showed clinical signs between days 3–12 post infection after intra-peritoneal inoculation with suspensions containing either 100, 101 and 102 CFUs of F. tularensis ssp. holarctica strains (both genotypes B.12 and B.FTNF002-00). Clinical signs included porphyrin accumulation around the eyes, nasal discharge, weight loss, weakness, ruffled fur, inactivity, diarrhoea and laboured breathing (Table 1). General linear model analysis showed the effect of the challenge dose on the course of the disease (timing of the most severe symptoms), however, association between the severity of the clinical signs and the challenge dose was not detected. More than 50% of the rats survived the intra-peritoneal challenge by F. tularensis ssp. holarctica strains in all but one group (genotype B.FTNF002-00, 100 CFU), thus further analysis was based on the comparison of the two main groups differing in the genotype of the infectious agent. Total weight loss was significantly higher (p = 0.0348; independent t-test) in the group infected with the B.FTNF002-00 genotype. Changes in body weight (%) between days 3 and 13 post infection are shown in Fig. 1, and the percentages of the total weight loss are listed in Table 2. Comparison of the severity of clinical signs (based on clinical scores between days 1–13 post infection) revealed significant differences (p = 0.004; Mann-Whitney U test) between the two groups. Median values of the clinical scores and changes in weight loss between days 1 and 13 post infection are demonstrated in Fig. 2. The median values of the clinical scores between days 1–13 post infection showed, that rats infected with the B.12 genotype recovered from the disease two days earlier than rats infected with genotype B.FTNF002-00. In the B.FTNF002-00 genotype infected groups 33.3% (6/18) of the animals succumbed to tularemia between days 4–12 post infection. In contrast, only 11.1% (2/18) of the rats died of the disease caused by the B.12 genotype on days 8 and 10 post infection. Post mortem examinations did not reveal differences in the pathological changes associated with the two bacterial strains. At necropsy, the deceased rats were seronegative while all surviving rats showed seroconversion in slide agglutination test on day 21 post infection (Table 2). Macroscopic pathological findings were scarce, an enlarged spleen being occasionally observed in both deceased and euthanized rats. Histological findings in rats that succumbed to the infection consisted of acute multiple necrotic foci in the liver and spleen and immunohistochemistry showed large amounts of antigen in these organs (Fig. 3). Sub-acute interstitial lympho-histiocytic inflammation was also observed in the lung with high or moderate amounts of antigen in rats that died of the infection. Seropositive rats which were sacrificed on day 21 post infection showed distended sinusoids and activation of Kupffer cells associated with multifocal interstitial infiltration by mixed inflammatory cells in the liver and a moderate follicular hyperplasia and hyperaemia in the spleen with no or low amounts of antigen (Table 2).

Fig. 1
figure 1

Comparison of changes in body weight in Francisella tularensis ssp. holarctica infected Fischer 344 rats. Fischer 344 rats were infected with three concentrations of F. tularensis ssp. holarctica genotype B.12 (red) or B.FTNF002-00 (purple). Challenge doses are given under each diagram in colony forming units. Values are representing the percent change in body weight between days 3 and 13 post infection relative to the initial weight on the day of infection for each animal. Positive values representing weight gain, while negative values are showing weight loss. Asterisks are representing the death of the animals

Table 2 Clinical and post mortem data of Fischer 344 rats (6 rats/groups) infected with Francisella tularensis ssp. holarctica
Fig. 2
figure 2

Median values of changes in body weight and clinical sign scores in experimentally infected rats. Fischer 344 rats were infected with Francisella tularensis ssp. holarctica genotype B.12 or B.FTNF002-00. Values are representing the median of the clinical sign scores (dashed lines) and the median percentages of body weight changes (solid lines) between days 1 and 13 post infection related to the groups infected with B.12 (red) or B.FTNF002-00 (purple) genotypes

Fig. 3
figure 3

Histological picture of the spleen of a Francisella tularensis ssp. holarctica genotype B.FTNF002-00 infected Fischer 344 rat. Typical necrotic foci (hematoxilin-eosin, left) and the accumulation of F. tularensis antigen primarily at the edges of the necrotic area (immunohistochemistry, right). Bar = 50 μm

Discussion

While clear differences are described in the virulence of the F. tularensis ssp. tularensis subpopulations, little or no information is available about the virulence of the subpopulations of the widespread holarctica subspecies [23]. Interactions among hosts with different susceptibility to tularemia and strains of the two genetic groups of F. tularensis ssp. holarctica (B.12 and FTNF002-00) were previously compared in vitro, but no difference was detected in the ability of genotypes to evade the hosts’ complement system [24].

The susceptibility of Fischer 344 rats to tularemia was described in previous examinations [17, 19, 20]. Experimental infection of Fischer 344 rats with intra-peritoneal inoculation of 101 CFU of a F. tularensis ssp. holarctica strain from Sweden (B.12 genotype) induced fatal disease within 10 days [18].

The results of the current study revealed moderate difference in the pathogenic potential of the two strains belonging to the two genetic groups of F. tularensis ssp. holarctica and support the hypothesis that B.FTNF002-00 genotype is more virulent than the B.12 genotype. Low mortality rates were observed in the infected animals, which might be an effect of a possible attenuation process during the culture of bacteria on artificial media and implies the potential need for the use of higher bacterial loads in experimental infections. However, clinical signs manifested in all rats, and they were in accordance with previously described symptoms in Fischer 344 rats infected subcutaneously with F. tularensis ssp. tularensis SCHU S4 strain [19]. Interestingly, the challenge dose did not affect the severity of clinical signs, the time and number of deaths, nor the extent of weight loss, similarly to the observations in previous studies on non-human primates and Fischer 344 rats [19, 25]. Analysis of weight loss was used for the determination of susceptibility of Fischer 344 rats to tularemia before [19]. In the current experiment rats infected with B.FTNF002-00 genotype showed significantly higher total weight loss and more prolonged course of the disease compared to rats infected with B.12 genotype (Figs. 1 and 2), suggesting a more severe progression of the illness during infection with the B.FTNF002-00 genotype. The assumed higher virulence of B.FTNF002-00 genotype is consistent with previous observations on the clinical features and pathology of tularemic brown hares associated with the two genotypes. Nevertheless, experimental infection of the brown hare, the host presenting different types of pathological changes, with a higher number of strains belonging to these two genotypes should confirm field observations and enable deeper insight into the assumed difference in virulence between genotypes. Examining the F. tularensis ssp. holarctica susceptibility of European brown hares originating from distinct geographical areas may also provide important additional information about the ecology of this pathogen.

Conclusion

The moderate differences in the pathogenic potential of B.12 and B.FTNF002-00 genotype F. tularensis ssp. holarctica strains, as observed during the experimental infection of Fischer 344 rats support a higher virulence of B.FTNF002-00, which is the dominant genotype in Western European countries. The results are in accordance with previous observations on the pathology of tularemic brown hares infected by the two genotypes.

Abbreviations

CFU:

Colony forming units

HRP:

Horse-radish peroxidase

LVS:

Live vaccine strain

PBS:

Phosphate-buffered saline

SNP:

Single-nucleotide polymorphism

References

  1. Vogler AJ, Birdsell D, Price LB, Bowers JR, Beckstrom-Sternberg SM, Auerbach RK, et al. Phylogeography of Francisella tularensis: global expansion of a highly fit clone. J Bacteriol. 2009;191:2474–84.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  2. Birdsell DN, Johansson A, Öhrman C, Kaufman E, Molins C, Gyuranecz M, et al. Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis AI phylogeography in the United States. Emerg Infect Dis. 2014;20:861–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  3. Gyuranecz M, Birdsell DN, Splettstoesser W, Seibold E, Beckstrom-Sternberg SM, Makrai L, et al. Phylogeography of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica, Europe. Emerg Infect Dis. 2012;18:290–3.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  4. Antwerpen MH, Schacht E, Kaysser P, Splettstoesser WD. Complete genome sequence of a Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica strain from Germany causing lethal infection in common marmosets. Genome Announc. 2013;1:e00135–12.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  5. Karlsson E, Svensson K, Lindgren P, Byström M, Sjödin A, Forsman M, et al. The phylogeographic pattern of Francisella tularensis in Sweden indicates a Scandinavian origin of Eurosiberian tularaemia. Environ Microbiol. 2013;15:634–45.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Maraha B, Hajer G, Sjödin A, Forsman M, Paauw A, Roeselers G, et al. Indigenous infection with Francisella tularensis holarctica in the Netherlands. Case Rep Infect Dis. 2013;916985:3. doi:10.1155/2013/916985.

  7. Müller W, Hotzel H, Otto P, Karger A, Bettin B, Bocklisch H, et al. German Francisella tularensis isolates from European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) reveal genetic and phenotypic diversity. BMC Microbiol. 2013;13:61.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Ariza-Miguel J, Johansson A, Fernández-Natal MI, Martínez-Nistal C, Orduña A, Rodríguez-Ferri EF, et al. Molecular investigation of tularemia outbreaks, Spain, 1997–2008. Emerg Infect Dis. 2014;20:754.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  9. Origgi F, Frey J, Pilo P. Characterisation of a new group of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica in Switzerland with altered antimicrobial susceptibilities, 1996 to 2013. Euro Surveill. 2014;19(29). http://dx.doi.org/10.2807/1560-7917.ES2014.19.29.20858.

  10. Afset JE, Larssen KW, Bergh K, Larkeryd A, Sjodin A, Johansson A, et al. Phylogeographical pattern of Francisella tularensis in a nationwide outbreak of tularaemia in Norway, 2011. Euro Surveill. 2015;20:9–14.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Sissonen S, Rossow H, Karlsson E, Hemmilä H, Henttonen H, Isomursu M, et al. Phylogeography of Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica in Finland, 1993-2011. Infect Dis (Lond). 2015;47:701–6.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Barabote RD, Xie G, Brettin TS, Hinrichs SH, Fey PD, Jay JJ, et al. Complete genome sequence of Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica FTNF002-00. PLoSOne. 2009;4, e7041.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Gyuranecz M, Szeredi L, Makrai L, Fodor L, Meszáros ÁR, Szépe B, et al. Tularemia of European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) a pathological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical study. Vet Pathol. 2010;47:958–63.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Decors A, Lesage C, Jourdain E, Giraud P, Houbron P, Vanhem P, et al. Outbreak of tularaemia in brown hares (Lepus europaeus) in France, January to March 2011. Euro Surveill. 2011;16:19913.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Rijks JM, Kik M, Koene MG, Engelsma MY, van Tulden P, Montizaan MG, et al. Tularaemia in a brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in 2013: first case in the Netherlands in 60 years. Euro Surveill. 2013;18:49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Origgi FC, Pilo P. Francisella tularensis clades B.FTN002-00 and B.13 are associated with distinct pathology in the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus). Vet Pathol. 2016;53:1220–32.

  17. Jemski JV. Respiratory tularemia: comparison of selected routes of vaccination in Fischer 344 rats. Infect Immun. 1981;34:766–72.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  18. Raymond CR, Conlan JW. Differential susceptibility of Sprague–Dawley and Fischer 344 rats to infection by Francisella tularensis. Microb Pathogenesis. 2009;46:231–4.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Wu TH, Zsemlye JL, Statom GL, Hutt JA, Schrader RM, Scrymgeour AA, et al. Vaccination of Fischer 344 rats against pulmonary infections by Francisella tularensis typeA strains. Vaccine. 2009;27:4684–93.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  20. Signarovitz AL, Ray HJ, Yu JJ, Guentzel MN, Chambers JP, Klose KE, et al. Mucosal immunization with live attenuated Francisella novicida U112Δ iglB protects against pulmonary F. tularensis SCHU S4 in the Fischer 344 rat model. PLoSOne. 2012;7:e47639.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Fortier AH, Slayter MV, Ziemba R, Meltzer MS, Nacy CA. Live vaccine strain of Francisella tularensis: infection and immunity in mice. Infect Immun. 1991;59:2922–8.

    CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  22. Bencurova E, Kovac A, Pulzova L, Gyuranecz M, Mlynarcik P, Mucha R, et al. Deciphering the protein interaction in adhesion of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica to the endothelial cells. Microb Pathog. 2015;81:6–15.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Molins CR, Delorey MJ, Yockey BM, Young JW, Sheldon SW, Reese SM, et al. Virulence differences among Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis clades in mice. PLoSONE. 2010;5:e10205.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Kreizinger Z, Bhide M, Bencurova E, Dolinska S, Gyuranecz M. Complement sensitivity and factor H binding of European Francisella tularensis ssp. holarctica strains in selected animal species. Acta Vet Hung. 2015;63:275–84.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Eigelsbach HT, Saslaw S, Tulis JJ, Hornick RB. Tularemia: the monkey as a model for man. In: Vagtborg H, editor. Use of nonhuman primates in drug evaluation, a symposium. San Antonio, TX: Southwestern Foundation for Research and Education; 1968. p. 230–48.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgement

The authors acknowledge Simone Magnino (Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna (I.Z.S.L.E.R.), Pavia, Italy) for language editing.

Funding

This work was supported by the Lendület (Momentum) programme (LP2012-22) of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. The funders had no role in study design, data collection, analysis and interpretation, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Availability of data and materials

All data generated or analysed during this study are included in this published article and in its supplementary information file (Additional file 1).

Authors’ contributions

All authors read and approved the final manuscript. ZK performed the experimental infections, analysed the data and wrote the manuscript. KE performed the histological and immunohistochemical examinations, analysed the data and edited the manuscript. OF, KMS and MT performed the experimental infections and edited the manuscript. MF designed the study and edited the manuscript. MG designed the study, analysed the data and wrote the manuscript.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Consent for publication

Not applicable.

Ethics approval

In the experimental infection trial the animals were kept in accordance with all national and institutional regulations. The animal experiment was performed according to the guidelines approved by the National Ethical Committee of Hungary (permit number: PEI/001/1927-4/2015) and the ethical committee of the Institute for Veterinary Medical Research, Budapest, Hungary. Consent to participate is not applicable.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Miklós Gyuranecz.

Additional file

Additional file 1:

Weight data and clinical sign scores of Francisella tularensis ssp. holarctica infected Fischer 344 rats. The animals were infected with the B.12 or the B.FTNF002-00 genotype (genotype of infectious agent) with either 100, 101 and 102 CFUs of the bacteria suspensions (infectious dose). Weight data (in grams) on the day of infection (initial weight) and between days 1–13 post infection (pi.) with the clinical sign scores (graded as none = 0, mild = 1, moderate = 2 and severe = 3; 3* = the animal succumbed to the infection) are provided for all rats. (XLSX 14 kb)

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Kreizinger, Z., Erdélyi, K., Felde, O. et al. Comparison of virulence of Francisella tularensis ssp. holarctica genotypes B.12 and B.FTNF002-00. BMC Vet Res 13, 46 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-0968-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-0968-9

Keywords