Utility of multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis as a molecular tool for phylogenetic analysis of Shigella sonnei

Shigellosis in Taiwan: An old enteric pathogen with changing epidemiology and increasing antimicrobial resistance

While the incidence of shigellosis has decreased in developed nations due to improved living conditions and healthcare systems, it remains prevalent in economically developing regions. In recent years, a resurgence of shigellosis has been observed in the United States, Europe, and Taiwan, primarily among men having sex with men and people living with human immunodeficiency virus, along with a rise in antimicrobial resistance. This study aims to review the historical epidemiological trends and drug resistance in shigellosis, with a focus on Taiwan. A comprehensive search was conducted using various databases and sources, including non-English literature in Japanese and Chinese. In developed countries, Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri are the most common species, while Shigella dysenteriae infections are sporadic. In Taiwan, the classification and prevalence of Shigella species have evolved over time, with S. flexneri and S. sonnei being the predominant strains. Fluoroquinolone resistance and azithromycin non-susceptibility are the ongoing threat. In conclusion, shigellosis remains a significant global health concern, with recent increases in certain populations and antimicrobial resistance. Further research is necessary to understand the clinical significance and risk factors associated with asymptomatic carriers and to assess the impact of behavioral modifications and interventions in high-risk populations.

Whole-genome sequencing revealed concurrent outbreaks of shigellosis in the English Orthodox Jewish Community caused by multiple importations of Shigella sonnei from Israel

In December 2013, Public Health England (PHE) observed an increase in the number of cases of Shigella sonnei linked to the Orthodox Jewish Community (OJC). Ultimately, 52 cases of S. sonnei phage type (PT) P and PT7 were notified between November 2013 and July 2014. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on a HiSeq 2500 platform (Illumina) on isolates of S. sonnei submitted to PHE during the investigation. Quality trimmed sequence reads were mapped to a reference genome using BWA-MEM, and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified using GATK2. Analysis of the core genome SNP positions (>90 % consensus, minimum depth 10×, MQ≥30) revealed that isolates linked to the outbreak could be categorized as members of distinct monophyletic clusters (MPCs) representing concurrent regional outbreaks occurring in the OJCs across the United Kingdom. A dated phylogeny predicted the date of the most recent common ancestor of the MPCs to be approximately 3.1 years previously [95 % highest posterior density (HPD), 2.4–3.4]. Isolates of S. sonnei from cases from the OJCs in Israel included in the phylogeny, branched from nodes basal to the UK OJC outbreak clusters, indicating they were ancestral to the UK OJC isolates, and that the UK isolates represented multiple importations of S. sonnei into the UK population from Israel. The level of discrimination exhibited by WGS facilitated the identification of clusters of isolates within the closely related bacterial populations circulating in the OJC that may be linked to a unique point sources or transmission routes, thus enabling a more appropriate public health response and targeted interventions.

MLVA typing of Haemophilus influenzae isolated from two Iranian university hospitals

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Different serotypes of Haemophilus influenzae is now divided into 2 divisions: encapsulated and unencapsulated. Multiple locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) includes such specifications as the extra power of separation, ease of data interpretation, and epidemiological data accordance, which have made it an appropriate molecular device for good typing and phylogenetic analysis of bacterial pathogens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this research, cultured samples were studied and strains identified through biochemical tests were recognized. Moreover, DNA was extracted and studied qualitatively and quantitatively. Four pairs of specialized primers related to H. influenzae variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) and preparation of PCR were designed according to the regulated program. Also, electrophoresis of PCR products was performed. Finally, the interpretation of electrophoresis gel was done with respect to the observable bands showing the presence or absence of the required sequence in the samples related to every primer.

RESULTS

This study was the first MLVA typing of the unencapsulated H. influenzae in Iran. In this research, the VNTR sequences were tested in 30 strains without the unencapsulated H. influenzae. Among 30 mentioned strains, for which MLVA profile was obtained in this research, 25 different MLVA types were observed. Likewise, there was no repetition in VNTR sequences resulting from PCR in few H. influenzae. In all these cases, the number of repetitions in MLVA profile was determined as 0, except for one of the primers in 4 strains, which was 16%. However, this did not occur for the other VNTRs.

CONCLUSION

The highest diversity of the repeats was for VNTR5 (7 types), followed by VNTR6 with 6 types of repeats, and VNTR12-1 and VNTR12-2 with 3 different types.

Molecular Subtyping of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis and Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis in India: Their Association with Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles

Molecular subtyping and DNA sequencing-based methods, which are commonly used for discriminating Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) isolates, lead to improved molecular epidemiological investigations for prevention and control of typhoid fever. We obtained S. Typhi blood isolates (n = 66) from India during 2007-14 for molecular subtyping by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) in association with antibiotic resistance profiles. Genotypic diversity was observed more by MLVA (Simpson's index of diversity, D value = 0.997) than PFGE (D value = 0.864). Two prevalent pulsotypes containing nalidixic acid-resistant (NAL^R) and NAL^R-ciprofloxacin-resistant (CIP^R) S. Typhi isolates circulated in India. Multidrug-resistant (MDR), NAL^R-CIP^R, and most NAL^R isolates were found to be clonal by PFGE. MLVA could differentiate the clonal isolates. Most of the MDR and NAL^R-CIP^R isolates showed variation in single or double VNTR loci, whereas NAL^R isolates varied in more than 2 loci, reflecting higher genetic diversity among the NAL^R isolates. Of the 6 VNTR loci, TR4,699 (D value = 0.838) and Sal02 (D value = 0.890) loci played important roles as MLVA cluster-supporting alleles. The rapid turnaround time and high-level discriminatory power of MLVA may be useful for tracking and controlling the transmission of S. Typhi isolates during epidemiological investigations.

Multiple- locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) of Shigella sonnei isolates of 2012 outbreak I. R. Iran

Shigella sonnei is a major cause of diarrhea especially in children. Molecular study can help to determine the outbreak of this bacterium. Multiple-Locus Variable number tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA) will largely influence the public health field by introducing newer, faster, safer, and effective procedure for typing of microorganisms. A total of fifty shigella isolates were collected between November 2012 to October 2013 in Tehran, Iran. The strains were identified base on biochemical and molecular tests. Subsequently, all shigella species were confirmed by species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Virulence factors were detected using PCR for ial, set1A, and set1B genes. The strains were genotyped by MLVA typing method. All of the isolates were identified as S. sonnei by biochemical and molecular (PCR) methods. Virulence genes identified among all isolates included ial, and set1A genes in 20% and 5% of all isolates, respectively. On the other hand, none of isolates were positive for set1B gene. Using MLVA method 22 MLVA types were identified. MLVA type 11 accounted for 32% of isolates. Moreover, all virulence factors were only detected in MLVA type 11, 9, 5, 4. The results of this study indicate that the Iranian 2012-2013 S. sonnei outbreak isolates were virulent and clonaly related. Furthermore, this study showed that MLVA can be used as useful method for S. sonnei genotyping in epidemiological investigations.

Genetic Characterization and Comparative Genome Analysis of Brucella melitensis Isolates from India

Brucellosis is the most frequent zoonotic disease worldwide, with over 500,000 new human infections every year. Brucella melitensis, the most virulent species in humans, primarily affects goats and the zoonotic transmission occurs by ingestion of unpasteurized milk products or through direct contact with fetal tissues. Brucellosis is endemic in India but no information is available on population structure and genetic diversity of Brucella spp. in India. We performed multilocus sequence typing of four B. melitensis strains isolated from naturally infected goats from India. For more detailed genetic characterization, we carried out whole genome sequencing and comparative genome analysis of one of the B. melitensis isolates, Bm IND1. Genome analysis identified 141 unique SNPs, 78 VNTRs, 51 Indels, and 2 putative prophage integrations in the Bm IND1 genome. Our data may help to develop improved epidemiological typing tools and efficient preventive strategies to control brucellosis.

Virulence Gene Profile and Multilocus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis (MLVA) of Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) Isolates From Patients With Diarrhea in Kerman, Iran

Background

Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) isolates cause dysentery in humans. Several virulence factors associated with EIEC pathogenesis have been characterized. Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) is a PCR-based method that has been used for genotyping bacterial pathogens.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of virulence factor genes in EIEC isolates from patients with diarrhea in Kerman, Iran, as well as the genetic relationships between these isolates.

Patients and Methods

A total of 620 diarrheic stool samples were collected from patients attending two hospitals in Kerman from June 2013 to August 2014. All isolates were confirmed as EIEC by PCR for the ipaH gene. The EIEC isolates were evaluated by PCR for the presence of nine virulence genes (ial, set1A, sen, virF, invE, sat, sigA, pic, and sepA). MLVA was performed for all EIEC isolates.

Results

A total of 11 EIEC isolates were identified, and all were positive for the ial gene. The invE and virF genes were observed in 81.8% of the isolates, while sen, sigA, and pic were detected in 72.7%, 63.6%, and 27.3% of the isolates, respectively. None of the isolates were positive for the sat, set, and sepA genes. Using MLVA, the 11 total isolates were divided into five types.

Conclusions

By studying the profiles of virulence genes and MLVA, it can be concluded that EIEC isolates do not have high heterogeneity and are derived from a limited number of clones.

Molecular Characterization of Shigella sonnei: An Increasingly Prevalent Etiologic Agent of Shigellosis in Guizhou Province, Southwest of China

Background

Shigellosis is a serious problem in Guizhou and Shigella sonnei is an increasingly prevalent etiologic agent of local shigellosis cases. No data, however, are available about the molecular characterization of the local isolates of S. sonnei. We have conducted this study to molecularly characterize the clinical isolates of S. sonnei in Guizhou Province.

Results

76 S. sonnei isolates, including four isolates from 1974–1982 and 72 isolates from 2008–2010, were used for analysis in this study. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) based on XbaI digestion divided the 76 isolates into 38 PFGE patterns (PT) and 15 PTs were represented by more than one isolates with PT31 (N = 8) containing the most number of isolates, followed with PT2 (N = 6). Multiple-Locus Variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) Analysis (MLVA) based on seven VNTR loci discriminated them into 19 different MLVA types (MTs), and four MTs were represented by more than one isolate with MT4 (N = 39) containing the most number of isolates, followed with MT12 (N = 18). 15 Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) base on 15 loci differentiated the isolates into six sequence types (STs), among which four STs were novel. The most common STs are ST76 (N = 43) and ST116 (N = 25), accounting for 92.1%. Correlation between genetic relationships and geographical origins or isolation years was observed among the isolates studied. Majority of isolates were clustered in accordance with the origin of isolation years based on the genetic data, which were also from similar geographical origins.

Conclusions

Our results revealed the molecular characteristics including the specific genotypes such as four novel STs, clonal relationship, and genetic changes of local isolates from different years, which enhances our understanding of molecular characteristics of S. sonnei and contributes to the prevention and control of shigellosis in Guizhou Province.

Distribution of genes encoding virulence factors and molecular analysis of Shigella spp. isolated from patients with diarrhea in Kerman, Iran

Shigella is one of the important causes of diarrhea worldwide. Shigella has several virulence factors contributing in colonization and invasion of epithelial cells and eventually death of host cells. The present study was performed in order to investigate the distribution of virulence factors genes in Shigella spp. isolated from patients with acute diarrhea in Kerman, Iran as well as the genetic relationship of these isolates. A total of 56 isolates including 31 S. flexneri, 18 S. sonnei and 7 S. boydii were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the presence of 11 virulence genes (ipaH, ial, set1A, set1B, sen, virF, invE, sat, sigA, pic and sepA). Then, the clonal relationship of these strains was analyzed by multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) method. All isolates were positive for ipaH gene. The other genes include ial, invE and virF were found in 80.4%, 60.7% and 67.9% of the isolates, respectively. Both set1A and set1B were detected in 32.3% of S. flexneri isolates, whereas 66.1% of the isolates belonging to different serogroup carried sen gene. The sat gene was present in all S. flexneri isolates, but not in the S. sonnei and S. boydii isolates. The result showed, 30.4% of isolates were simultaneously positive and the rest of the isolates were negative for sepA and pic genes. The Shigella isolates were divided into 29 MLVA types. This study, for the first time, investigated distribution of 11 virulence genes in Shigella spp. Our results revealed heterogeneity of virulence genes in different Shigella serogroups. Furthermore, the strains belonging to the same species had little diversity.

Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C in China

This study characterized Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C strains in China in order to establish their genetic relatedness and describe the use of multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) to provide useful epidemiological information. A total of 215 N. meningitidis serogroup C strains, obtained from 2003 to 2012 in China, were characterized by MLVA with different published schemes as well as multilocus sequence typing. (i) Based on the MLVA scheme with a combination of five highly variable loci, 203 genotypes were identified; this level of discrimination supports its use for resolving closely related isolates. (ii) Based on a combination of ten low variable loci, clear phylogenetic relationships were established within sequence type complexes. In addition, there was evidence of microevolution of VNTR loci over the decade as strain lineages spread from Anhui to other provinces, the more distant the provinces from Anhui, the higher the genetic variation.

Genetic characterization of Shigella flexneri isolates in Guizhou Province, China

Shigella flexneri is one of the major etiologic causes of shigellosis in Guizhou Province, China. However, the genetic characteristics of circulating isolates are unknown. Phenotypic and molecular profiles of 60 S. flexneri isolates recovered in Guizhou between 1972 to 1982 and 2008 to 2010 were determined. Nine serotypes (1a, 2a, 3a, 1b, 2b, X, Y, 4av and Yv) were identified. Multi-locus sequence typing differentiated the isolates into 20 sequence types (STs); 18 were novel. Four STs, ST 129, ST 100, ST 126 and ST 18, were most abundant, accounting for 65% of the isolates. Thirty-nine NotI-pulsed field gel electrophoresis patterns (pulsotypes, PTs) were observed; eight PTs were represented by more than one isolate with six isolates sharing the PT 13 profile. Multi-locus variable-nucleotide tandem-repeat analysis recognized 44 different types (MTs); seven MTs were represented by more than one isolate and MT 1 was most commonly encountered. Correlation between genetic relationships and serotypes was observed among the isolates studied; the majority of isolates belonging to the same serotype from different years clustered together based on the molecular data. These clustered isolates were also from similar geographical origins. These results enhance our understanding of genetic relationships between S. flexneri in Guizhou Province and can be used to help understand the changing etiology of shigellosis in China.

Diversity of Variable Number Tandem Repeat Loci in Shigella Species Isolated from Pediatric Patients

Multilocus variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) is a new typing method with several advantages compared to other methods. Dissemination of Shigella is highly significant in developing countries. Whilst Shigella is becoming increasingly important as an etiologic agent of pediatric shigellosis in Iran, little is known about the genetic diversity of the local strains. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the genetic diversity of Shigella species isolated from pediatric patients in Tehran, Iran. A total of 53 Shigella isolates were obtained from 1070 patients with diarrhea (less than 12 years of age). All isolates were identified by routine biochemical and serological tests. The confirmed Shigella isolates were further serogrouped (by the slide agglutination) using slide agglutination method. MLVA assay with the seven loci resolved 53 Shigella isolates into 36 different genotypes. Almost all the isolates were classified into five clonal complexes. Furthermore, our MLVA assay could effectively distinguish the four Shigella species. This study has provided valuable insights into the genetic heterogeneity of Shigella species in Tehran, Iran. Our findings can be helpful for further epidemiological surveillance of Shigella species in this country in the future.

Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis for genotyping of Shigella sonnei strains isolated from pediatric patients

AIM

The aims of this study were to characterize Iranian Shigella sonnei strains isolated from pediatric cases and evaluate the utility of multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) for genotyping of local S. sonnei strains.

BACKGROUND

S.  sonnei has become the dominant species in certain parts of Iran. Although PFGE is still a gold standard for genotyping and source tracking of food-borne pathogens, it is laborious, expensive, time-consuming, and often difficult to interpret. However, MLVA is a PCR-based method, which is rapid, relatively inexpensive and easy to perform.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 47 S. sonnei isolates were obtained from sporadic cases of pediatric shigellosis in Tehran, Iran, during the years 2002-2003 (n=10) and 2008-2010 (n=37). The patients suffered from acute diarrhea and had evidence of more than three episodes of watery, loose, or bloody stools per day. A MLVA scheme based on 7 VNTR loci was established to assess the diversity of 47 S. sonnei isolates.

RESULTS

Based on the results, it was clear that the S. sonnei isolates were heterogeneous. Overall, 47 S. sonnei isolates were discriminated into 21 different genotypes. Analysis of the MLVA profiles using a minimum spanning tree (MST) algorithm showed the usefulness of the MLVA assay in discriminating S. sonnei isolates collected over different time periods. However, no correlation was found between the MLVA genotypes and age, gender or clinical symptoms of the patients.

CONCLUSION

It is assumed that our S. sonnei isolates are derived from a limited number of clones that undergo minor genetic changes in the course of time. The present study has provided some valuable insights into the genetic relatedness of S. sonnei in Tehran, Iran.

Changing trends in the prevalence of Shigella species: emergence of multi-drug resistant Shigella sonnei biotype g in Bangladesh

Shigellosis, caused by Shigella species, is a major public health problem in Bangladesh. To determine the prevalence and distribution of different Shigella species, we analyzed 10,827 Shigella isolates from patients between 2001 and 2011. S. flexneri was the predominant species isolated throughout the period. However, the prevalence of S. flexneri decreased from 65.7% in 2001 to 47% in 2011, whereas the prevalence of S. sonnei increased from 7.2% in 2001 to 25% in 2011. S. boydii and S. dysenteriae accounted for 17.3% and 7.7% of the isolates respectively throughout the period. Of 200 randomly selected S. sonnei isolates for extensive characterization, biotype g strains were predominant (95%) followed by biotype a (5%). Resistance to commonly used antibiotics including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, mecillinam and ampicillin was 89.5%, 86.5%, 17%, 10.5%, and 9.5%, respectively. All isolates were susceptible to ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and imipenem. Ninety-eight percent of the strains had integrons belonging to class 1, 2 or both. The class 1 integron contained only dfrA5 gene, whereas among class 2 integron, 16% contained dhfrAI-sat1-aadA1-orfX gene cassettes and 84% harbored dhfrA1-sat2 gene cassettes. Plasmids of ∼5, ∼1.8 and ∼1.4 MDa in size were found in 92% of the strains, whereas only 33% of the strains carried the 120 MDa plasmid. PFGE analysis showed that strains having different integron patterns belonged to different clusters. These results show a changing trend in the prevalence of Shigella species with the emergence of multidrug resistant S. sonnei. Although S. flexneri continues to be the predominant species albeit with reduced prevalence, S. sonnei has emerged as the second most prevalent species replacing the earlier dominance by S. boydii and S. dysenteriae in Bangladesh.

Retrospective analysis of whole genome sequencing compared to prospective typing data in further informing the epidemiological investigation of an outbreak of Shigella sonnei in the UK

The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the value of whole genome sequencing (WGS) compared to conventional typing methods in the investigation and control of an outbreak of Shigella sonnei in the Orthodox Jewish (OJ) community in the UK. The genome sequence analysis showed that the strains implicated in the outbreak formed three phylogenetically distinct clusters. One cluster represented cases associated with recent exposure to a single strain, whereas the other two clusters represented related but distinct strains of S. sonnei circulating in the OJ community across the UK. The WGS data challenged the conclusions drawn during the initial outbreak investigation and allowed cases of dysentery to be implicated or ruled out of the outbreak that were previously misclassified. This study showed that the resolution achieved using WGS would have clearly defined the outbreak, thus facilitating the promotion of infection control measures within local schools and the dissemination of a stronger public health message to the community.

The emergence and spread of dysentery

Shigella sonnei is an important cause of bacterial dysentery in the developed world and has also recently emerged in transitional countries. Phylogenetic analysis based on whole-genome sequencing of a global sample has detailed the recent evolutionary history of this pathogen and shed light on the genetic changes associated with this epidemiological shift.

Global phylogeny of Shigella sonnei strains from limited single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and development of a rapid and cost-effective SNP-typing scheme for strain identification by high-resolution melting analysis

The current Shigella sonnei pandemic involves geographically associated, multidrug-resistant clones. This study has demonstrated that S. sonnei phylogeny can be accurately defined with limited single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). By typing 6 informative SNPs using a high-resolution melting (HRM) assay, major S. sonnei lineages/sublineages can be identified as defined by whole-genome variation.

Comparative analysis of Shigella sonnei biotype g isolated from paediatric populations in Egypt, 1999-2005

Strain characteristics of 51 Shigella sonnei isolates obtained from children seeking medical care (MC) and 48 isolates recovered during a prospective diarrhoea birth cohort (BC) study were compared. Biochemical characterization and antibiotic susceptibility testing determined that all S. sonnei isolates were biotype g and multidrug-resistant. Plasmid profiling identified 15 closely related patterns and XbaI pulsed-field gel electrophoresis confirmed the high degree of genetic similarity between isolates. All S. sonnei isolates harboured ipaH and class II integrase genes and 84∙3 and 80% of the MC and BC isolates, respectively carried the sen gene. Neither the class I integrase nor the set gene was detected. Our results indicate that S. sonnei isolates associated with severe diarrhoea were indistinguishable from those associated with mild diarrhoea. Additional genetic tests with greater discrimination might offer an opportunity to determine genetic differences within the globally disseminating biotype g clone.

Characterization of Shigella sonnei in Malaysia, an increasingly prevalent etiologic agent of local shigellosis cases

Background

Shigellosis is a major public health concern worldwide, especially in developing countries. It is an acute intestinal infection caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella, with a minimum infective dose as low as 10–100 bacterial cells. Increasing prevalence of Shigella sonnei as the etiologic agent of shigellosis in Malaysia has been reported. As there is limited information on the genetic background of S. sonnei in Malaysia, this study aimed to characterize Malaysian S. sonnei and to evaluate the prospect of using multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) for subtyping of local S. sonnei.

Methods

Forty non-repeat clinical strains of S. sonnei isolated during the years 1997–2000, and 2007–2009 were studied. The strains were isolated from stools of patients in different hospitals from different regions in Malaysia. These epidemiologically unrelated strains were characterized using biotyping, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and MLVA.

Results

The two biotypes identified in this study were biotype a (n = 29, 73%) and biotype g (n = 11, 27%). All the 40 strains were sensitive to kanamycin, ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin. Highest resistance rate was observed for streptomycin (67.5%), followed by tetracycline (40%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (37.5%). All the S. sonnei biotype g strains had a core resistance type of streptomycin - trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole - tetracycline whereas the 29 biotype a strains were subtyped into eight resistotypes. All the strains were equally distinguishable by PFGE and MLVA. Overall, PFGE analysis indicated that S. sonnei biotype a strains were genetically more diverse than biotype g strains. Cluster analysis by MLVA was better in grouping the strains according to biotypes, was reflective of the epidemiological information and was equally discriminative as PFGE.

Conclusions

The S. sonnei strains circulating in Malaysia throughout the period studied were derived from different clones given their heterogeneous nature. MLVA based on seven selected VNTR loci was rapid, reproducible and highly discriminative and therefore may complement PFGE for routine subtyping of S. sonnei.

Distribution and molecular evolution of bacillus anthracis genotypes in Namibia

The recent development of genetic markers for Bacillus anthracis has made it possible to monitor the spread and distribution of this pathogen during and between anthrax outbreaks. In Namibia, anthrax outbreaks occur annually in the Etosha National Park (ENP) and on private game and livestock farms. We genotyped 384 B. anthracis isolates collected between 1983-2010 to identify the possible epidemiological correlations of anthrax outbreaks within and outside the ENP and to analyze genetic relationships between isolates from domestic and wild animals. The isolates came from 20 animal species and from the environment and were genotyped using a 31-marker multi-locus-VNTR-analysis (MLVA) and, in part, by twelve single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and four single nucleotide repeat (SNR) markers. A total of 37 genotypes (GT) were identified by MLVA, belonging to four SNP-groups. All GTs belonged to the A-branch in the cluster- and SNP-analyses. Thirteen GTs were found only outside the ENP, 18 only within the ENP and 6 both inside and outside. Genetic distances between isolates increased with increasing time between isolations. However, genetic distance between isolates at the beginning and end of the study period was relatively small, indicating that while the majority of GTs were only found sporadically, three genetically close GTs, accounting for more than four fifths of all the ENP isolates, appeared dominant throughout the study period. Genetic distances among isolates were significantly greater for isolates from different host species, but this effect was small, suggesting that while species-specific ecological factors may affect exposure processes, transmission cycles in different host species are still highly interrelated. The MLVA data were further used to establish a model of the probable evolution of GTs within the endemic region of the ENP. SNR-analysis was helpful in correlating an isolate with its source but did not elucidate epidemiological relationships.

Global Distribution of Shigella sonnei Clones

To investigate global epidemiology of Shigella sonnei, we performed multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis of 1,672 isolates obtained since 1943 from 50 countries on 5 continents and the Pacific region. Three major clonal groups were identified; 2 were globally spread. Type 18 and its derivatives have circulated worldwide in recent decades.

Genotyping of selected bacterial enteropathogens in Norway

In Norway the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) is the primary facility for nationwide surveillance of foodborne infections, and it is vital that we can perform rapid and high resolution identification of foodborne bacteria at the strain level. During the last decade a rapid introduction of DNA-based methods has been introduced, which show promise in enhancing the speed and discriminatory capability of the typing laboratory. The laboratory responsible for genotyping enteropathogens at NIPH is limited in staff, thus methods demanding reduced labour, high degree of automation and increased ease of interpretation is essential. We found that this could be achieved by focusing on MLVA for some of the most predominant enteropathogenic species. Bacterial genotyping is performed by several laboratories in Norway, however this review will address the use of routine genotyping by MLVA of common foodborne bacteria at NIPH. The emphasis will be on Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella spp. Yersinia enterocolitica and Listeria monocytogenes. This review is based on an oral presentation given at the 9th International Meeting on Microbial Epidemiological Markers in Wernigerode Germany on September 1st 2010.

Rapid multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeats analysis of Shigella spp. using multicolour capillary electrophoresis

The multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeats analysis (MLVA) method for genotyping has proven to be a fast and reliable typing tool in several bacterial species. MLVA is in our laboratory the routine typing method for Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, Escherichia coli (two assays), Listeria monocytogenes and Yersinia enterocolitica. The gram-negative invasive enteropathogenic bacterium Shigella is the most common cause of bacillary dysentery (shigellosis) worldwide, and is a global human health problem. It was of great interest to develop a rapid and robust MLVA-assay for this important pathogen. Though not common in Norway, we do receive isolates mostly associated with foreign travel and thus an outbreak may be possible. The resulting MLVA-assay is based on seven polymorphous VNTRs found by search in the published genomes of all Shigella species. The assay is fast (one multiplexed PCR reaction), robust and show high divergence among the Shigellae. A total of 235 Shigella spp. were typed with 194 distinct MLVA-genotypes. An outbreak cluster of Shigella sonnei was additionally identified during manuscript preparation.

Multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis for molecular typing and phylogenetic analysis of Shigella flexneri

Background

Shigella flexneri is one of the causative agents of shigellosis, a major cause of childhood mortality in developing countries. Multilocus variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) is a prominent subtyping method to resolve closely related bacterial isolates for investigation of disease outbreaks and provide information for establishing phylogenetic patterns among isolates. The present study aimed to develop an MLVA method for S. flexneri and the VNTR loci identified were tested on 242 S. flexneri isolates to evaluate their variability in various serotypes. The isolates were also analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to compare the discriminatory power and to evaluate the usefulness of MLVA as a tool for phylogenetic analysis of S. flexneri.

Results

Thirty-six VNTR loci were identified by exploring the repeat sequence loci in genomic sequences of Shigella species and by testing the loci on nine isolates of different subserotypes. The VNTR loci in different serotype groups differed greatly in their variability. The discriminatory power of an MLVA assay based on four most variable VNTR loci was higher, though not significantly, than PFGE for the total isolates, a panel of 2a isolates, which were relatively diverse, and a panel of 4a/Y isolates, which were closely-related. Phylogenetic groupings based on PFGE patterns and MLVA profiles were considerably concordant. The genetic relationships among the isolates were correlated with serotypes. The phylogenetic trees constructed using PFGE patterns and MLVA profiles presented two distinct clusters for the isolates of serotype 3 and one distinct cluster for each of the serotype groups, 1a/1b/NT, 2a/2b/X/NT, 4a/Y, and 6. Isolates that had different serotypes but had closer genetic relatedness than those with the same serotype were observed between serotype Y and subserotype 4a, serotype X and subserotype 2b, subserotype 1a and 1b, and subserotype 3a and 3b.

Conclusions

The 36 VNTR loci identified exhibited considerably different degrees of variability among S. flexneri serotype groups. VNTR locus could be highly variable in a serotype but invariable in others. MLVA assay based on four highly variable loci could display a comparable resolving power to PFGE in discriminating isolates. MLVA is also a prominent molecular tool for phylogenetic analysis of S. flexneri; the resulting data are beneficial to establish clear clonal patterns among different serotype groups and to discern clonal groups among isolates within the same serotype. As highly variable VNTR loci could be serotype-specific, a common MLVA protocol that consists of only a small set of loci, for example four to eight loci, and that provides high resolving power to all S. flexneri serotypes may not be obtainable.

Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis and plasmid profiling to study the occurrence of blaCMY-2 within a pulsed-field gel electrophoresis-defined clade of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium circulating in food animal populations and carrying resistance to antimicrobial agents represents a human health risk. Recently, a new clade of S. Typhimurium, WA-TYP035/187, was reported in cattle and humans in the Pacific Northwest, United States of America. The objective of this study was to describe a possible mechanism of acquisition of expanded-spectrum cephalosporin resistance in this clade. Ceftazidime resistance increased steadily among WA-TYP035/187 isolates, from 0% (0/2) in 1999 to 77.8% (28/36) in 2006 (chi2 for linear trend, P value of <0.001). Among 112 bovine-source and 18 human-source isolates, 49 (43.8%) and 12 (66.7%) were resistant to ceftazidime, respectively. Multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) and plasmid profiling suggested that resistance was acquired by multiple independent genetic events within the WA-TYP035/187 clade. Given the lack of an obvious reservoir in species other than cattle and a parallel rise in ceftiofur resistance in the bovine-specific serovar Salmonella enterica serovar Dublin in the same time frame and region, selection pressure due to the use of the expanded-spectrum cephalosporin drug ceftiofur in cattle is a likely factor driving the increasing cephalosporin resistance of WA-TYP035/187.