Genome Study of Mycobacterium bovis
Author Information
Author(s): Jackie Inwald, Jason Hinds, James Dale, Si Palmer, Philip Butcher, R. Glyn Hewinson, Stephen V. Gordon
Primary Institution: Veterinary Laboratories Agency
Hypothesis
Do clones of Mycobacterium bovis share phenotypic characteristics that explain their success as pathogens?
Conclusion
Microarray-based comparative genomics can rapidly identify genetic variations that may explain the phenotypic traits of Mycobacterium bovis.
Supporting Evidence
- Microarray technology allows for rapid screening of Mycobacterium bovis genomes.
- Analysis of 16,000 strains revealed only 10 major spoligotypes in the UK.
- Types 09 and 17 represent over 65% of all isolates, indicating clonal expansion.
Takeaway
Scientists are studying the germs that cause bovine tuberculosis to understand why some are more harmful than others.
Methodology
The study used DNA microarray technology to analyze the genomes of Mycobacterium bovis strains for deletions.
Limitations
The role of deletions in the evolution of Mycobacterium bovis remains unclear.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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