Genomic polymorphism of strains of basic subspecies of plague causative agent

Genomic fingerprinting analysis of strains of the basic subspecies of plague causative agent extracted from different types of hotbeds in the Russian Federation and neighboring countries was performed. This analysis has enabled us to demonstrate their significant genetic polymorphism, as well as the similarity of their phenotypic characteristics. Strains of basic subspecies Y. pestis subsp. pestis are distributed into four genetic variants, each of which has its specific host organism. The conservatism of gene fingerprinting profiles of every genetic variant of Y. pestis subsp. pestis strains underlines the prospects of the proposed methodical approach in the case of the intraspecific differentiation of plague-agent strains (including those with atypical characteristics). The correlation of genovars with the host species gives one the opportunity to use them in the analysis of enzootic territories in during changes in hosts.