Multi-Locus Sequence Typing (MLST) is a molecular typing technique frequently employed in microbiology and epidemiology to categorize and classify organisms based on the sequence diversity of specific genes. This method provides insight into the evolutionary relationship among different strains of microorganisms and aids in understanding the spread and prevalence of pathogens.
MLST primarily involves the examination of several conserved genetic loci, or regions, within an organism's genome. These loci often encode housekeeping genes, which are vital for basic cellular functions, and are present in multiple copies across the genome. By comparing the variations, or alleles, of these genes among different strains, MLST can determine unique genetic profiles or sequence types (STs).
The MLST process typically involves sequencing the alleles of each selected locus, followed by comparison and analysis of the obtained sequences. Various databases are available to store and analyze the resulting MLST data, allowing researchers to assign distinctive STs to each strain. This information can facilitate the tracking and characterization of microorganisms, providing critical insights into their evolution, transmission, and disease association.
MLST has been employed extensively in the study of bacterial pathogens, including those causing infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, meningitis, and foodborne illnesses. Its ability to offer highly discriminatory genetic characterization of strains, as well as its reproducibility and comparability across laboratories, has contributed to its popularity as a powerful molecular typing tool in microbial research and surveillance.
