PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIP OF FUSOBACTERIUM-NECROPHORUM A-BIOTYPE, AB-BIOTYPE, AND B-BIOTYPE BASED UPON 16S RIBOSOMAL-RNA GENE SEQUENCE-ANALYSIS

The 16S rRNA genes from virulent (AB) and benign (B) biotype strains o f Fasobacterium necrophorum, the causative agent of ovine foot abscess , were cloned and sequenced. Notwithstanding the distinct phenotypic d ifferences between the AB and B biotypes, a phytogenetic analysis in w hich the 168 rRNA gene sequences were used revealed the close relation ship of these taxa. Comparison df the virulent and benign biotypes of F. necrophorum may therefore be a legitimate way to identify key virul ence factors useful in vaccine development.