Spoligotyping for molecular epidemiology of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.

摘要: Spacer oligonucleotide typing, or spoligotyping, is a rapid, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method for genotyping strains of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTB). Spoligotyping data can be represented in absolute terms (digitally), and results readily shared among laboratories, thereby enabling creation large international databases. Since spoligotype assay was standardized more than 10 yr ago, tens thousands isolates have been analyzed, giving global picture MTB strain diversity. The highly reproducible has developed into high-throughput molecular epidemiology projects. In United States, spoligotyping employed on nearly all newly identified culture-positive cases as part national program. strengths this include its low cost, digital results, good correlation with other genetics markers, fair level overall differentiation strains, capacity, ability to provide species information. However, method's weaknesses inability differentiate well within families such Beijing family, potential convergent evolution patterns, limited success improving through expansion, difficulty obtaining specialized membranes instrumentation.