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1: BMC Vet Res. 2008 Jan 24;4:2.Click here to read Click here to read Links

Multiple-locus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) of Irish verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 from feedlot cattle: uncovering strain dissemination routes.

Murphy M, Minihan D, Buckley JF, O'Mahony M, Whyte P, Fanning S.

Veterinary Food Safety Laboratory, Cork County Council, Inniscarra, Cork, Ireland. maryn.murphy@corkcoco.ie

BACKGROUND: The identification of the routes of dissemination of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157 through a cohort of cattle is a critical step to control this pathogen at farm level. The aim of this study was to identify potential routes of dissemination of E. coli O157 using Multiple-Locus Variable number of tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA). RESULTS: Thirty-eight environmental and sixteen cattle faecal isolates, which were detected in four adjacent pens over a four-month period were sub-typed. MLVA could separate these isolates into broadly defined clusters consisting of twelve MLVA types. Strain diversity was observed within pens, individual cattle and the environment. CONCLUSION: Application of MLVA is a broadly useful and convenient tool when applied to uncover the dissemination of E. coli O157 in the environment and in supporting improved on-farm management of this important pathogen. These data identified diverse strain types based on amplification of VNTR markers in each case.

PMID: 18218128 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

PMCID: PMC2246123