We analyzed 10 isolates of Francisella tularensis subspecies holarctica from China and assigned them to known clades by using canonical single-nucleotide polymorphisms. We found 4 diverse subtypes, including 3 from the most basal lineage, biovar japonica. This result indicates unprecedented levels of diversity from a single region and suggests new models for emergence.
Keywords: China; Francisella tularensis subsp. holarctica; SNP; bacteria; canSNP; lineage; phylogeography; tularemia.