Clonal analysis of Yersinia ruckeri based on biotypes, serotypes and outer membrane protein‐types

The biotypes, serotypes and outer membrane protein‐types (OMP‐types) of 135 isolates of Yersinia ruckeri were analysed in an attempt to identify clonoal groups and to examine to further detail the relationships between islotes from wide geographic areas. Each isolate could be assigned to one of two biotypes (1 and 2). one of five 0‐serotypes (01, 02, 05, 06 and 07), and one of five OMP‐types (1–5). Outer membrane protein analysis was able to differentiate between isolates within a given serotype. Thus, serotype 01 isolates types 1 and 2. and serotype 07 isolates consisted of OMP‐types 1 and 5. Whereas OMPwith serotype 07, OMP‐types 1 and 2 were associated with serotypes 01, 02, 05, 06 and 07, for the majority of the disease outbreaks in Europe and represented 79% of the European isolates. A combination of biotype, serotype and OMP‐type analysis was demonstrated to be useful in epidemiological studies of Y. ruckeri.