ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the protein difference between B. henselae Houston and B. henselae Marseille by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Protein samples were prepared by vorterx, ultrasonic treatment, and centrifugation. Protein concentrations were determined by Bradford method. Protein difference was compared by the first IEF and the second SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Protein concentrations in samples of Bartonella henselae Houston and Bartonella henselae Marseille were 2.117 microg/microL and 2.200 microg/microL respectively. Sample protein of 40 microg for IPG strips loading was perfect. The results of 2-DE in pH 4 to 7 IPG strips showed that the total protein spots of Bartonella henselae Houston and Bartonella henselae Marseille were 375 and 379 respectively, 95% of the spots were the same between the two strains of Bartonella henselae.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The procedure of 2-DE may prove successful for the proteomic analysis of Bartonella henselae. Bartonella henselae Houston and Bartonella henselae Marseille are different genotypes.</p>