Genomics of Mycobacterium bovis

The imminent completion of the genome sequence of Mycobacterium bovis will reveal the genetic blueprint for this most successful pathogen. Comparative analysis with the genome sequences of M. tuberculosis and M. bovis BCG pro mises to expose the genetic basis for the phenotypic differences between th e tubercle bacilli, offering unparalleled insight into the virulence factor s of the M. tuberculosis complex. Initial analysis of the sequence data has already revealed a novel deletion from M. bovis, as well as identifying va riation in members of the PPE family of proteins. As the study of bacterial pathogenicity enters the postgenomic phase, the genome sequence of M. bovi s promises to serve as a cornerstone of mycobacterial genetics. (C) 2001 Ha rcourt Publishers Ltd