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Detection of DNA restriction fragment polymorphisms in Streptococcus equi
1Department of Animal Hygiene, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Kitasato University, Towada, Aomori, Japan.
The Veterinary Record
|March 8, 2000
Summary
Large-restriction-fragment (LRF) typing successfully differentiated Streptococcus equi isolates. This method is valuable for tracking the source and spread of S equi infections, aiding in disease control.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Veterinary Epidemiology
Background:
- Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S equi) causes significant disease in equids.
- Accurate strain typing is crucial for understanding disease transmission and implementing control measures.
- Previous typing methods may lack the discriminatory power needed for epidemiological investigations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of Large-restriction-fragment (LRF) polymorphisms as a typing method for S equi.
- To assess the genetic diversity among S equi isolates from various geographical origins and outbreaks.
- To determine if LRF typing can aid in tracing the source and transmission pathways of S equi.
Main Methods:
- Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was employed to analyze LRF polymorphisms.
- Chromosomal DNA from 20 S equi isolates was digested with the restriction endonuclease NotI.
- Separation of DNA fragments ranged from 194 to 915 kb.
Main Results:
- Seven distinct, reproducible, and stable LRF types were identified among the 20 S equi isolates.
- Twelve Japanese isolates from 1992-1998 consistently showed LRF type II, suggesting a common source.
- The remaining eight isolates were distributed across six different LRF types.
Conclusions:
- LRF typing using PFGE is a robust and discriminatory method for S equi.
- The technique can effectively differentiate between S equi strains, aiding in outbreak investigations.
- LRF typing is a valuable tool for investigating the source and transmission dynamics of S equi.