Proteomic analysis of antibody response in a case of laboratory-acquired infection with Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis

Abstract

Immunoproteomic analysis was applied to study the immunoreactivity of serum samples collected at different time points from a laboratory assistant accidentally infected with highly virulent strain of Francisella tularensis subsp. tularensis. Immunoblotting showed that the spectrum of F. tularensis antigens recognized specifically by immune sera remained with the exception for 1 antigen stable for up to 16 years after infection. Using immunoproteomics approach 10 immunoreactive antigens were successfully identified. Several new immunogenic F. tularensis proteins were described for the first time.