Characterizations of Chinese isolates of Coxiella burnetii in the com1 gene sequence

Objective: To know some genetical characterizations of Coxiella burnetii Chinese isolates by comparing the coml gene sequence. Methods: com1 gene sequences of Chinese isolates were amplified, se-quenced, and analyzed by comparing our result and the previous published data. Results: Three different com1 sequences were identified in 7 Chinese isolates. Sequence comparison indicated that the isolates harboring the QpRS plasmid could be defined as a new group and, in addition, the isolates carrying the same plas-mid type showed similar com1 gene sequence. Conclusion: Study suggests that the classification of the group based on the coml gene sequence is highly associated with the plasmid type of the isolates and, however, little related to disease forms and geographical origins of the isolates.