High-Resolution Genotyping of Chlamydia trachomatis by Use of a Novel Multilocus Typing DNA Microarray

• Typing of Chlamydia trachomatis is important to understandingits epidemiology. Currently used methods such as DNA sequencingof the ompA gene and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) eitheroffer limited epidemiological resolution or are laborious andexpensive, or both. DNA microarray technology using the ArrayStripformat is an affordable alternative for genotyping. In thisstudy, we developed a new multilocus typing (MLT) DNA microarray,based on the target regions of a high-resolution MLST systemas well as software for easy analysis. Validation of the arraywas done by typing 80 previously MLST-typed clinical specimensfrom unselected adolescents in school. The MLT array showed100% specificity and provided 2.4-times-higher resolution thanompA sequencing, separating the commonly predominating ompAE/Bour genotype into 7 MLT array genotypes. The MLT array reproducedepidemiological findings revealed by the MLST system and showedsufficient sensitivity to work with clinical specimens. Comparedto MLST analysis, the expenses needed for testing a sample withthe MLT array are considerably lower. Moreover, testing canbe completed within 1 working day rather than 3 or 4 days, withdata analysis not requiring highly specialized personnel. Thepresent MLT array represents a powerful alternative in C. trachomatisgenotyping.

Nyckelord

Chlamydia trachomatis

genotyping

microarray

MLT array

multilocus sequence typing (MLST)

multilocus typing array

ompA

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

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