Discrimination of Yersinia enterocolitica Strains Using MLVA and PFGE
Author Information
Author(s): Sihvonen Leila M, Toivonen Susanna, Haukka Kaisa, Kuusi Markku, Skurnik Mikael, Siitonen Anja
Primary Institution: National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Helsinki, Finland
Hypothesis
Can multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) effectively discriminate between sporadic and outbreak-related strains of Yersinia enterocolitica?
Conclusion
MLVA is more effective than PFGE for discriminating Yersinia enterocolitica strains and is associated with antimicrobial multiresistance linked to travel abroad.
Supporting Evidence
- MLVA discriminated 82 sporadic strains into 77 types.
- PFGE discriminated the strains into 23 different pulsotypes.
- 19% of sporadic strains were multiresistant and correlated with travel abroad.
- MLVA had a discriminatory index of 0.999 compared to 0.862 for PFGE.
Takeaway
Scientists used two methods to tell apart different germs that can make people sick. One method was much better at figuring out which germs came from outbreaks.
Methodology
The study used MLVA with six VNTR markers and PFGE with NotI enzyme to analyze 104 Yersinia enterocolitica strains.
Limitations
The study did not identify the contaminated food source during the outbreak investigation.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of patients was 34 years, with 55% being men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Statistical Significance
p = 0.002
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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