OBJECTIVETo understand the molecular biological characteristics in order to analyse the genetic background of Yersinia pestis in China.

METHODSPrimary datum on ribotyping, pulsed field gene electrophoresis (PFGE), random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and insertion sequence (IS) of Yersinia pestis were used and under cluster analysis. Genetic interval and various methods of recognized molecular feature between different strains were evaluated.

RESULTSRibotypes the PFGE types seemed to be corresponding. Stains from Microtus fuscus and area in Tibet Zhongba belonged to 7 copy rRNA gene and the genetic interval were the far more with 6 copy rRNA gene stains, and not definite with RAPD, but with many exceptions. The genetic interval between strains were showed by resemble value.

CONCLUSIONYersinia pestis in China had its own manifold, particular molecular biological characteristics due to natural barriers, geographical complex, circumstances in Tianshan Mountains and Gandise Mountains areas. Yersinia pestis were limited to separateness, evoluted only in certain areas to form a great many gene types.