[Genomic polymorphism of the main subspecies of the plague agent strains].

Genomic fingerprinting analysis of plague agent strains of the main subspecies isolated in natural foci of various types in the Russian Federation and neighboring countries suggests their genetic polymorphism, while they are similar in phenotypic properties. The strains of the main subspecies, Y. pesis subsp. Pestis, fall into four genetic variants, each of them being associated with specific carrier species. The conserved genomic fingerprinting profile of each genovariant of Y. pesis subsp. Pestis strains ensures the suggested methodic approach to be promising for the intraspecies differentiation of plague agent strains (including atypical strains). Correlation of genovariants with carrier species permits their application for research into enzootic territories, where carrier change-over takes place.