DNA markers distinguish between harmless, deadly bacteria

The virulent pathogen that causes the disease tularemia, or “rabbit fever,” was weaponized during past world wars and is considered a potential bioweapon. Through a new study of the coccobacillus Francisella, Los Alamos National Laboratory researchers are working to use DNA markers to discern related but relatively harmless species as they are identified and to provide a means to distinguish them from the harmful F. tularensis.