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Multilocus sequence typing analysis of Shigella flexneri isolates collected in Asian countries
Seon Young Choi1,2, Yoon-Seong Jeon3,2, Je Hee Lee1,2
1School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Medical Microbiology
|October 30, 2007
Summary
Multilocus sequence typing of Shigella flexneri revealed new genetic variations. Serotypes 1-5, X, and Y formed a diverse cluster, while serotype 6 remained distinct, aiding in understanding bacterial evolution.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Shigella flexneri is a significant cause of bacterial dysentery.
- Phylogenetic analysis is crucial for understanding the evolution and epidemiology of bacterial pathogens.
- Previous multilocus sequence typing (MLST) schemes exist for Escherichia coli.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme to clinical isolates of Shigella flexneri.
- To identify novel genetic diversity within Shigella flexneri populations.
- To investigate the phylogenetic relationships among different serotypes of Shigella flexneri.
Main Methods:
- Applied a previously established multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme.
- Sequenced 3423 base pairs across seven housekeeping genes.
- Analyzed 107 clinical isolates of Shigella flexneri.
Main Results:
- Identified eight new allele types and ten new sequence types among the isolates.
- Shigella flexneri serotypes 1-5, X, and Y clustered together, exhibiting significant allelic variation.
- Serotype 6 formed a distinct phylogenetic group, consistent with prior findings.
Conclusions:
- The MLST scheme is effective for delineating genetic diversity in Shigella flexneri.
- Significant genetic diversity exists within common Shigella flexneri serotypes.
- Phylogenetic clustering supports distinct evolutionary trajectories for different serotypes.
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