Complete sequence of the gene encoding the bacterioferritin subunit of Mycobacterium avium subspecies silvaticum

A gene encoding the bacterioferritin subunit (Bfr) of Mycobacterium avium (Ma) subspecies silvaticum has been cloned, sequenced and expressed. The 477-bp open reading frame codes for 159 amino acids, which were shown to share up to 92% identity with the Bfr of five bacterial genera. The recombinant Bfr exhibits serological cross-reactivity with Ma paratuberculosis antigen D, a protein of approx. 20 kDa in cell lysates of Ma paratuberculosis and Ma silvaticum and a protein of 20-22 kDa in sonicates of M. leprae.