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VNTR analysis reveals unexpected genetic diversity within Mycoplasma agalactiae, the main causative agent of

Laura McAuliffe1, Colin P Churchward, Joanna R Lawes

  • 1Mycoplasma Group, Department of Statutory and Exotic Bacteria, Veterinary Laboratories Agency (Weybridge), Surrey, KT15 3NB, UK. l.mcauliffe@vla.defra.gsi.gov.uk

BMC Microbiology
|November 11, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis reveals unexpected genetic diversity within Mycoplasma agalactiae, a key pathogen in sheep and goats. This method offers a rapid tool for tracking contagious agalactia outbreaks.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Microbiology
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Mycoplasma agalactiae causes contagious agalactia, a significant disease in sheep and goats with substantial economic impact.
  • Previous research indicated limited strain differentiation capabilities for M. agalactiae.
  • Existing epidemiological techniques lack high-resolution strain typing for M. agalactiae.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a novel molecular typing method for Mycoplasma agalactiae.
  • To assess the genetic diversity of M. agalactiae isolates using the new method.
  • To compare the efficacy of the new method with established techniques like PFGE and RAPD.

Main Methods:

  • Developed Variable Number Tandem Repeat (VNTR) analysis based on the sequenced M. agalactiae type strain PG2 genome.
  • Selected four VNTR loci (VNTR 5, 14, 17, and 19) from the M. agalactiae PG2 genome.
  • Analyzed genetic diversity of 88 M. agalactiae isolates using VNTR, PFGE, and RAPD.

Main Results:

  • VNTR analysis identified 9 distinct VNTR types among the 88 M. agalactiae isolates, revealing significant genetic diversity.
  • Simpson's index of diversity was higher for VNTR analysis (0.574) compared to PFGE (0.324).
  • A correlation was observed between the geographical origin of isolates and their VNTR types.

Conclusions:

  • VNTR analysis is a valuable and rapid method for molecular epidemiological studies of M. agalactiae.
  • This technique facilitates effective outbreak tracing and control of contagious agalactia.
  • VNTR analysis provides a higher degree of strain differentiation compared to PFGE.

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