Construction of a shuttle vector for use in Francisella tularensis

Abstract The characterisation of virulence factors of Francisella tularensis has been hampered by the lack of genetic system for the bacterium. In this study, a shuttle vector was constructed that can replicate autonomously in F. tularensis and Escherichia coli . To obtain this vector, the p15A replication origin of E. coli plasmid pACYC184 was introduced into a plasmid derivative of plasmid pFNL200, a plasmid which only can replicate in F. tularensis . The resulting shuttle vector, designated pKK202, harboured resistance genes for chloramphenicol and tetracycline. This vector might be used as a basis for the studies of virulence factors of F. tularensis .