[Catalase activity in the agent of tularemia].

The catalase activity was studied in the extracts of 27 strains of Francisella tularensis belonging to three geographical races. The most active enzyme was possessed by nonarctic strains, and the least--by holarctic. Japanese variant of the holarctic race was separated in an individual group since it possessed a higher catalase activity in comparison with the typical strains. The Central Asian race occupied an intermediate position by this sign and was placed between the Japanese variant and the nonarctic race. Attenuation of the strains of all the three races of F. tularensis led to a marked reduction of the catalase activity.