title: Multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae clinical isolates from 1962 to the present: a retrospective study.
abstract: In this study, we evaluated a recently developed multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) method for the molecular typing of Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The method is based on GeneScan analysis of five VNTR loci throughout the genome which define a specific genotype based on the number of tandem repeats within each locus. A retrospective analysis of 154 M. pneumoniae clinical isolates collected over the last 50 years and a limited (n = 4) number of M. pneumoniae-positive primary specimens acquired by the CDC was performed using MLVA. Eighteen distinct VNTR types were identified, including two previously unidentified VNTR types. Isolates from several M. pneumoniae community outbreaks within the United States were also analyzed to examine clonality of a specific MLVA type. Observed in vitro variability of the Mpn1 VNTR locus prompted further analysis, which showed multiple insertions or deletions of tandem repeats within this locus for a number of specimens and isolates. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing variation within the Mpn1 locus, thus affecting precise and reliable classification using the current MLVA typing system. The superior discriminatory capability of MLVA provides a powerful tool for greater resolution of M. pneumoniae strains and could be useful during outbreaks and epidemiological investigations.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Diseases Branch, Division of Bacterial Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
authors.forename: Alvaro J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Benitez
authors.forename: Maureen H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Diaz
authors.forename: Bernard J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Wolff
authors.forename: Guillermo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pimentel
authors.forename: M Kariuki
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Njenga
authors.forename: Alejandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Estevez
authors.forename: Jonas M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Winchell
mesh_terms: D014644:Genetic Variation; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D018598:Minisatellite Repeats; D058889:Molecular Typing / Q000379:methods*; D016254:Mutagenesis, Insertional; D009175:Mycoplasma Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D009177:Mycoplasma pneumoniae / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D017384:Sequence Deletion; D014481:United States