Molecular genotyping of microbes by multilocus PCR and mass spectrometry: a new tool for hospital infection control and public health surveillance

Methods Mol Biol. 2009:551:71-87. doi: 10.1007/978-1-60327-999-4_7.

Abstract

We describe a new technology for the molecular genotyping of microbes using a platform known commercially as the Ibis T5000. The technology couples multilocus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) and was developed to provide rapid, high-throughput, and precise digital analysis of either isolated colonies or original patient specimens on a platform suitable for use in hospital or reference diagnostic laboratories or public health settings. The PCR/ESI-MS method measures digital molecular signatures from microbes, enabling real-time epidemiological surveillance and outbreak investigation. This technology will facilitate understanding of the pathways by which infectious organisms spread and will enable appropriate interventions on a time frame not previously achievable.

MeSH terms

  • Acinetobacter Infections / epidemiology
  • Acinetobacter Infections / microbiology
  • Acinetobacter baumannii / genetics
  • Acinetobacter baumannii / isolation & purification
  • Cross Infection / diagnosis
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Cross Infection / prevention & control*
  • DNA, Bacterial / genetics
  • DNA, Bacterial / isolation & purification
  • DNA, Viral / genetics
  • DNA, Viral / isolation & purification
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Genes, Bacterial
  • Genetics, Microbial / methods*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Influenza A virus / genetics
  • Influenza A virus / isolation & purification
  • Molecular Epidemiology / methods*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Population Surveillance / methods*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization / methods
  • Streptococcal Infections / epidemiology
  • Streptococcal Infections / microbiology
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / genetics
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / isolation & purification

Substances

  • DNA, Bacterial
  • DNA, Viral