MULTILOCUS SEQUENCE TYPING Meaning and
Definition
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Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) is a molecular epidemiology technique used to classify and characterize microorganisms based on the genetic variation of multiple gene loci. It involves the analysis and comparison of DNA sequence variation among genes present in the genome of the organism of interest.
MLST is typically employed in the study of bacteria and fungi to identify and differentiate strains within a species. This technique provides a highly discriminatory and reproducible method for strain typing, allowing researchers to trace the evolution, transmission, and spread of microorganisms through populations or geographic regions.
The MLST process involves selecting several gene loci that are known to exhibit allelic variations within a particular species. DNA samples from multiple isolates or strains are then sequenced at these loci, and the resulting sequences are compared. By analyzing the allelic profiles across different strains, researchers can infer relationships, classify strains into groups, and construct phylogenetic trees to understand the population genetics and evolution of the microorganisms under investigation.
The resulting data from MLST can be stored in publicly accessible databases, such as the PubMLST database, to facilitate the comparison of strains and the exchange of information among researchers globally. MLST has become a powerful tool in clinical microbiology, infectious disease surveillance, outbreak investigations, and the identification of disease-causing strains.
