[Superoxide dismutase activity in representatives of the genus Francisella]

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity has been registered in representatives of the genus Francisella. The electrophoretic mobility of the enzyme and a number of its isoforms in F. tularensis are linked with the subdivision of this species into several subspecies. Avirulent and noncapsular variants of F. tularensis are characterized by a higher SOD activity than the initial virulent strains. Attempts to detect catalase activity in F. tularensis have failed.