Genotyping of Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica from hares in Germany

In Germany, most human infections with Francisella tularensis are caused by contact with infected hares. The aim of this study was to characterize Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica strains isolated from hares in Germany. In total, 256 German isolates obtained mainly from hares (n=233), other vertebrate animals, ticks, but also from humans (n=3) were analysed within this study.