Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis Genotyping of Brucella Isolates from Iran.
Clinical Laboratory
|October 19, 2020
Summary
Brucellosis typing is improved with multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA-16). This molecular tool effectively differentiates Brucella species, aiding in disease control and outbreak investigations.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Brucellosis poses significant risks to both human and animal health.
- Traditional methods for Brucella spp. subtyping are insufficient.
- Variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci offer a practical approach for Brucella typing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) for subtyping Brucella isolates.
- To characterize the genetic diversity of Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus in Iran.
Main Methods:
- Genotypic characterization of 100 Brucella isolates (66 B. melitensis, 34 B. abortus) from Iran (2014-2018).
- Analysis using sixteen primer pairs in MLVA panels: Panel 1 (MLVA-8), Panel 2A, and Panel 2B.
- Data analyzed with BioNumerics software (Version 7.6) for MLVA-11 and MLVA-16 assays.
Main Results:
- MLVA-16 identified 59 distinct genotypes among 100 Brucella isolates, with high genetic similarity (91-100%).
- Brucella abortus isolates exhibited 9 genotypes, while Brucella melitensis showed 50 genotypes.
- Loci Bruce16 and Bruce4 demonstrated the highest discriminatory power.
Conclusions:
- The MLVA-16 assay is a valuable molecular tool for Brucella genotyping.
- This method can establish epidemiological linkages during outbreaks and trace-back investigations.
- MLVA-16 contributes to enhancing the effectiveness of brucellosis control strategies.
