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Use of multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis for typing Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis
Pieter Overduin1, Leo Schouls, Paul Roholl
1Mycobacteria Reference Laboratory, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|November 6, 2004
Summary
Investigating Crohn's disease, this study explores Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis. Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) offers a new method for subtyping these bacteria, aiding research into their role in human and animal health.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- The cause of Crohn's disease (CD) in humans remains largely unknown.
- CD shares clinical similarities with Johne's disease in ruminants, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP).
- MAP's prevalence in ruminant products and heat resistance raise concerns about its role in CD pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a molecular typing method for comparative DNA fingerprinting of MAP isolates.
- To differentiate MAP strains from human and animal sources.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA) for MAP subtyping.
- Comparison of MLVA with IS900 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing.
Main Results:
- MLVA successfully subdivided the predominant RFLP type (R01) into six distinct subtypes.
- This demonstrates MLVA's potential for finer resolution of MAP genetic diversity.
Conclusions:
- MLVA is a promising molecular subtyping tool for studying MAP diversity.
- This method can facilitate research into the potential link between MAP and Crohn's disease.