[Protein patterns of Pasteurella multocida strains in relation to the animal host and the geographic site of isolation].

Protein patterns from 681 Pasteurella multocida strains of different animal species and distinct geographical regions were analyzed by PAGE. We found 9 protein types taking the most intense band as reference. This band represents a protein of the outer membrane (OMP). In assigning the strains to protein types a relation to animal hosts of the strains was established. The majority of isolates from rabbits (88%) belongs to type P6, which is not found in strains isolated from cattle or pigs. Strains from pigs did not include the protein types P2, P4 and P8, in cattle strains type P9 was absent. The distribution of protein types in bovine isolates was shown to be related to the geographical location. The results are discussed with particular emphasis on immuno-prophylaxis. It appears promising to develop P. m. vaccines specific for certain animal species.