Multilocus Variable Number of Tandem Repeat Analysis for molecular typing of uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was genotyping of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) based on Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTRs) sequences. Methods: E. coli strains isolated from urine samples were included in this study. Seven VNTR loci were subjected to Multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) based on PCR amplification. Then data was analyzed via online mlvaplus software and the information was displayed in the form of MST analysis. Results: A total of 100 E. coli strains were isolated and subjected to the study. MLVA was able to differentiate 56 different genotypes. Also, the technique could classify E. coli isolates in 5 clonal complexes. Based on UPGMA dendrograms, E. coli isolates were classified into 4 clusters (clusters A to D). The strains associated with Complex No. 1 appeared to be dominant pathogens of UPEC in Tehran's patients. The present study provides valuable insights into the genetic relationships of E. coli isolates recovered from clinical cases in a major hospital in Iran. Conclusions: The analysis of MLVA profiles using the MST algorithm showed the usefulness of the MLVA method in the classification of uropathogenic E. coli collected in different periods. We evaluated MLVA in a laboratory equipped with simple molecular equipment. Based on these results, it has been assumed that the E. coli strains were derived from a limited number of clones that have undergo a small genetic change during this period.