In vivo-expressed genes of Pasteurella multocida

Pasteruella multocida is the causative agent of infectious diseases of econ omic importance such as fowl cholera, bovine hemorrhagic septicemia, and po rcine atrophic rhinitis. However, knowledge of the molecular mechanisms and determinants that P, multocida requires for virulence and pathogenicity is still limited. To address this issue, we developed a genetic expression sy stem, based on the in vivo expression technology approach first described b y Mahan ct al, (Science 259:686-658, 1993), to identify in vivo expressed g enes of P. multocida. Numerous genes, such as those encoding outer membrane lipoproteins, metabolic and biosynthetic enzymes, and a number of hypothet ical proteins, were identified. These may prove to be useful targets for at tenuating mutation and/or warrant further investigation for their roles in immunity and/or pathogenesis.