AccuGENX-ST - Highly accurate strain analysis through sequence typing

Dr. Christine Farrance, Senior Application Scientist, Accugenix Inc. In response to customer demands for more accurate and reliable techniques for strain level differentiation of microorganisms, Accugenix is now offering cGMP compliant single- and multi-locus sequence typing methods as an alternative to ribotyping. These methods represent a more accurate, reproducible and cost-effective approach to differentiate closely-related microorganisms. Tracking and trending of microorganisms and investigations of excursions in manufacturing settings are important parts of a comprehensive environmental monitoring program. Likewise, accurate confirmation of identity of master cells banks, dietary ingredients and supplements is critical. Standard genotypic sequence-based identification systems, utilizing regions of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA), increase the ability to accurately identify and track and trend microorganisms at the species level by using the sequence rather than just the organisms name. However, some common contaminants isolated from sterile and non-sterile manufacturing facilities cannot be resolved by this approach alone and some cell banks, ingredients and supplements need a more in depth characterization. By combining standard genotypic identification methods with multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) or single-locus sequence typing (SLST) it is possible to resolve some of the most difficult organisms to trend and track in manufacturing industries. MLST and SLST are well-established, highly accurate sequence-based methods that are used to distinguish closely-related microorganisms to the strain level. Strain level differentiation is made by analyzing protein coding or housekeeping genes that encode for proteins necessary for the normal cellular functions and which contain more sequence variability. Since more variation can be detected by analyzing the differences in gene sequences, it results in a greater differentiation of subtypes in a population of organisms. The analysis of multiple loci provides additional variation to further differentiate between closely related strains. This genotypic technique is designed to deliver the most informative data and, as a result, is highly discriminatory. Since the foundation of M/SLST is built upon DNA sequencing results, which can be easily cataloged and referenced, these techniques are highly reproducible, unambiguous and scalable as opposed to ribotyping. Additionally, databases can be created for historical trending and tracking. Given the reproducibility of M/SLST between experiments, and over time, these methods can be used more reliably to determine if isolates recovered from one area are the same or different as another isolate a trait that allows for high-resolution trending and tracking projects. Confirmation of species identity for all isolates is first determined by standard rDNA sequencing (16S or ITS2). Accurate identification is essential, as the target genes for sequence typing can be different for each species. In general, SLST methods involve sequencing one gene that is known to harbor variable DNA sequences, and with MLST multiple 1

genes of moderate variability are sequenced. The gene sequences from each isolate are then aligned and compared in a phylogenetic tree to show the amount of conservation and divergence in the DNA of that gene region. The goal is to determine a gene or gene combinations that can give a high level of variability to differentiate to the strain level. As an illustration of this point, we present a case-study involving Bacillus cereus, an organism commonly isolated from manufacturing environments. Additionally, while some strains of this organism are harmful to humans and can cause illness, others are beneficial and are used as probiotics. Isolates of B. cereus are difficult to resolve or characterize with consistency by standard phenotypic or genotypic methods, including 16S rDNA sequencing and ribotyping. However, MLST is capable of differentiating isolates to the strain level, enabling reliable tracking and trending of this organism. The target genes, glpF, pur, and pycA, were amplified using specific primers and subjected to comparative DNA sequencing analysis. The sequences were aligned and compared to the other organisms sequence data. The percent divergence between organisms was calculated and assembled into phylogenetic trees. The data from the three targets were used for strain level differentiation. Example trees indicating sequence clusters or subtypes for 16S and glpF are presented.

Accugenix has always been committed to providing the most accurate and reliable species level identifications to our clients. Now, we are proud to include strain level characterization to our service list AccuGENX-ST. We are the leader in innovation in the field of microbial identification and strain typing using genotypic methods. The development of MLST and SLST is just another example of how Accugenix continues to be the most innovative contract laboratory service provider by offering leadingedge cGMP compliant technologies as solutions for our clients.

For more information go to www.accugenix.com/microbial-identification-services/strain-typing/singlemulti-locus-sequence-methods