婴幼儿淋巴结核病原体及多位点可变数目串联重复序列分析

为了解婴幼儿淋巴结核的主要病原体及其分子生物学信息,对分离自73例0~3岁淋巴结核患儿的79份淋巴结穿刺液阳性培养物进行结核分枝杆菌鉴定、3个不同区域片段(RD1、RD9、RD10)扩增及多位点可变数目串联重复序列分析(MLVA)。结果显示,婴幼儿淋巴结核以卡介苗(BCG)感染为主(95.9%),其次为人型结核分枝杆菌感染(4.1%)。通过MLVA分离出4个基因型,3个为独立基因型、1个为成簇基因型。76株属成簇基因型,均为BCG;3个独立基因型均为人型结核分枝杆菌。研究表明,BCG是引起婴幼儿淋巴结核的主要病原体,临床分离的BCG MLVA分型无差异。     

新疆喀什维吾尔族结核病患者结核分枝杆菌5个VNTRs基因分型研究

目的:应用多位点数目可变串联重复序列分析(multiple loci VNTR analysis,MLVA)技术,对新疆喀什地区维吾尔族结核病患者结核分枝杆菌临床分离株进行基因分型,探讨5个数目可变串联重复序列(VNTR)基因型种类及其分布。方法:收集结核分枝杆菌,采用PCR和琼脂糖凝胶电泳技术,结合BioNumerics5.0软件,对其5个VNTR位点进行结果分析。结果:分离出58株结核分枝杆菌,分为4个基因群21个基因型,分别为Ⅰ群占19.1%,含7个基因型;Ⅱ群占3.4%,含2个基因型;Ⅲ群占67.2%,含9个基因型;Ⅳ群占10.3%,含5个基因型。结论:新疆喀什地区维吾尔族结核病患者的结核分枝杆菌存在明显的基因多态性,且存在主要流行菌群。     

北京地区实验动物绿脓杆菌分离株MLVA分型

目的通过多位点可变数目串联重复序列分析（multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis,MLVA）分型方法,研究北京地区实验动物绿脓杆菌分离株基因型和分布情况。方法选择13个可变数目重复序列（variable-number tandem-repeat,VNTR）位点,对实验动物及设施中检测出的141株绿脓杆菌的基因组DNA进行重复序列扩增,所得指纹图谱使用BioNumerics软件进行聚类分析,绘制系统发育树和最小生成树（minimum spanning tree,MST）。结果所采用的13个VNTR位点能够对全部分离株进行有效分型。141株绿脓杆菌主要被分为了3个基因群,56个基因型。各群所占比例分别为A群82.3%,B群占12.8%,C群占5.0%,辛普森多样性指数为0.763。同一区域内相邻实验动物单位的绿脓杆菌分离株同源关系较远。结论 MLVA方法对绿脓杆菌具有很好的分型能力,能够有效的追踪绿脓杆菌的来源。北京地区实验动物中绿脓杆菌分离株基因型多态性丰富,但无地域性同源关系。     

中国大陆流行的风疹病毒的变异变迁规律研究

从分子水平上探讨1999~2015年中国大陆流行的风疹病毒动态变异变迁规律。方法依据全国麻疹/风疹实验室网络的风疹病毒学监测数据,对1999~2015年中国流行风疹病毒进行分子进化分析。1999~2015年从全国29个省市(除新疆和西藏外)共获得风疹病毒株1737株,分属于4个基因型(1E,1F,2A和2B基因型):11E基因型风疹病毒自2001年首次分离到之后,替代1F基因型风疹病毒成为2001~2013年中国流行风疹病毒的优势基因型,并从年代上可分为两个进化分支[Cluster A(2004-2015)和Cluster B(2001-2009)],然而自2011年其检出比例逐渐下降,至2015年该比例仅为1.3%;21F基因型风疹病毒在地理上局限于中国,而在2002年之后未再监测到,推测其在中国的传播可能已被阻断;32A基因型风疹病毒株均来自于疫苗相关病例;42000~2015年间中国至少有4个不同的2B基因型风疹病毒传播链(Lineage1-4),2B基因型风疹病毒在2010年之前只有零星的流行,一直处于弱势,但自2011年输入型2B基因型风疹病毒(Lineage 3)的检出构成比逐年增高,并在2014~2015年成为中国流行风疹病毒的主要基因型。通过对中国连续16年风疹病毒变异变迁规律的研究,系统地掌握了其进化和流行规律,同时也为中国风疹控制和将来消除提供了重要的病毒学监测数据。     

广东省2020年首次报道E基因型柯萨奇病毒B组3型的鉴定及基因特征分析

柯萨奇病毒B组3型(Coxsackievirus B3,CVB3)是肠道病毒中流行较为广泛的血清型之一,在全球多个国家和地区曾报道儿童急性心肌炎、无菌性脑膜炎、手足口病等的暴发流行,严重威胁儿童健康和公共卫生安全。本研究对广东省2020年手足口病患者标本中分离到的8株CVB3进行基因特征和进化分析,结果显示分离到的8株CVB3 VP1区核苷酸序列相似性为98.2%~99.5%,与原型株Nancy的核苷酸序列相似性在77.9%~78.5%之间,与其他CVB3中国大陆流行株的核苷酸序列相似性为79.6%~82.2%。8株CVB3均为E基因型,为广东省首次报道。8株CVB3分离株在进化树上聚集,提示病毒发生了局部传播。全基因组序列分析提示2株广东CVB3分离株在非结构蛋白区有重组现象的发生。本研究为E基因型CVB3在我国的流行传播和疾病防控提供基础资料。     

2007-2009年玉溪市流行性腮腺炎病毒的基因型分析

目的了解2007-2009年玉溪市流行性腮腺炎病毒流行株(MuV)的基因型分布及变异情况。方法采集玉溪市医疗机构部分临床诊断病例含漱液进行RT-PCR病毒核酸检测,对核酸检测阳性标本进行病毒培养病毒分离,将分离病毒株进行SH基因316 bp片段序列分析,并与其他基因型参考株进行同源性比较,构建亲缘进化树。结果采集流行性腮腺炎病例标本136份,RT-PCR病毒核酸阳性30份,阳性率为22.1%;vero细胞分离到6株,6株MuV属于F基因型,各流行株SH基因之间的核苷酸最大差异为2.6%;与其他各基因型代表株之间的核苷酸最大差异达到17.8%,与疫苗株的最大差异为17.4%,与国内F基因型代表株SP的基因差异为2.7%。结论玉溪市流行性腮腺炎病毒流行株为F基因型,针对基因型变异和疫苗效果评价的预防控制策略变得日益重要。     

不同地区根霉分离株的RAPD多样性分析

为了研究微生物的分子多样性,在获得系列米根霉分离物的基础上,应用经筛选的13条随机引物,对来自不同地区的18株米根霉分离物进行了RAPD分析,聚类结果表明,18株分离物在0.75的相异水平上可以聚为6个群体,其分子多样性同地理来源之间具有一定的相关性。     

2013-2019年全国手足口病ECHO-9的分子流行病学研究

埃可病毒9型(Echovirus 9,ECHO-9)是引起无菌性脑膜炎(Aseptic meningitis,AM)和手足口病(Hand,foot,and mouth disease,HFMD)暴发流行的重要病原体,但目前全球关于ECHO-9分子流行病学研究仍比较匮乏,ECHO-9基于VP1全长的基因分型结果尚未明确。本研究依托国家HFMD监测网络,2013-2019年在中国大陆共分离到15株ECHO-9毒株,对其进行VP1区全长序列测定和分析,并与GenBank中下载的全部112条ECHO-9VP1区全长序列共同构建系统发育进化树。结果显示,全球ECHO-9分为A-G七个基因型,其中C、D和F基因型可被进一步划分为C1-C2,D1-D4和F1-F2基因亚型。各洲之间优势基因型别有显著差异,亚洲和欧洲分别以D和C基因型为绝对优势基因型。中国大陆ECHO-9优势基因型别为D基因型,但其优势基因亚型随时间推移有明显转变。2000-2005年,中国大陆ECHO-9全部为D1基因亚型,2006年开始出现D1、D2和D3基因亚型的共同流行,2010年后D1和D2基因亚型消失,D3成为中国大陆绝对优势基因型别。本研究测定的15株ECHO-9分离自2013-2019年,其中14株属于D3基因亚型,1株江西ECHO-9为C2基因亚型,推测其可能来源于境外。本研究建立了全球ECHO-9基于VP1全长的基因分型方法,揭示了ECHO-9在全国及全球范围的分子流行特征。     

圈养狐貉源犬瘟热病毒地方分离株H基因的遗传变异分析

本研究于2004～2006年从人工饲养的发病狐貉中分离到6个CDV分离株,用RT-PCR方法扩增了其H蛋白基因片段,并对其进行了克隆和测序.测序结果表明,6个CDV分离株H基因阅读框全长均为1 824 bp,编码607个氨基酸,未发现碱基的插入和缺失.与Genbank中的34株CDV参考毒株的H基因序列进行比较和分析,现有的CDV毒株可以分为Asia-1、Asia-2、America-1、America-2、Europe和Arctic 6个基因型,本实验中的分离株HL为Arctic基因型,与来自意大利的194/97株、丹麦的Green株同分在一组,其余5株分离株与来自日本的HAMA、UENO、Tanu96等毒株以及来自中国的TN株、GP株(大熊猫株)分在一组同属Asia-1型,表现出一定的地理位置相关性;6个分离株均与Onderstepoor、Convac等疫苗株差异较大、关系较远,提示病毒变异可能是造成目前已免疫动物仍然发生犬瘟热流行的原因之一.     

猪丁型冠状病毒HB-BD株的分离与鉴定

猪丁型冠状病毒(Porcine deltacoronavirus,PDCoV)是一种新的引起仔猪腹泻的冠状病毒,目前国内对PDCoV分离的研究较少。为从腹泻仔猪粪便及肠道内容物中分离鉴定PDCoV,本研究将RT-PCR检测为PDCoV病原阳性的腹泻样本,接种到ST细胞,进行病毒的分离传代。通过观察其细胞病变,RT-PCR和间接免疫荧光方法检测鉴定,并对分离株的S、M、N基因进行测序鉴定及序列分析。结果成功分离得到了PDCoV HB-BD株。经序列同源性分析发现,HB-BD分离株S、M和N基因与近年来国内外的流行毒株同源性很高,核苷酸同源性分别为95.8%～99.1%、98.6%～99.4%和97.8%～99.4%。进化树分析表明HB-BD分离株与中国毒株亲缘关系比其他国家近,处于同一分支。结果证实从腹泻仔猪的肠道内容物中分离并鉴定得到了一株猪丁型冠状病毒,本研究为后续分离株的致病性及生物学特性研究奠定了基础。     

Genetic Diversity among Bacillus anthracis Soil Isolates at Fine Geographic Scales

Environmental samples were collected from carcass sites during and after anthrax outbreaks in 2000 and 2001 in the bison (Bison bison) population within Wood Buffalo National Park and the Hook Lake Region north of Wood Buffalo National Park. Bacillus anthracis spores were isolated from these samples and confirmed using phenotypic characterization and real-time PCR. Confirmed B. anthracis isolates were typed using multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA15) and single-nucleotide-repeat analysis (SNRA). B. anthracis isolates split into two clades based on MLVA15, while SNRA allowed some isolates between carcass sites to be distinguished from each other. SNRA polymorphisms were also present within a single carcass site. Some isolates from different carcass sites having the same SNRA type had divergent MLVA types; this finding leads to questions about hierarchical typing methods and the robustness of the fine-scale typing of Bacillus anthracis.     

Distribution and molecular evolution of bacillus anthracis genotypes in Namibia

The recent development of genetic markers for Bacillus anthracis has made it possible to monitor the spread and distribution of this pathogen during and between anthrax outbreaks. In Namibia, anthrax outbreaks occur annually in the Etosha National Park (ENP) and on private game and livestock farms. We genotyped 384 B. anthracis isolates collected between 1983-2010 to identify the possible epidemiological correlations of anthrax outbreaks within and outside the ENP and to analyze genetic relationships between isolates from domestic and wild animals. The isolates came from 20 animal species and from the environment and were genotyped using a 31-marker multi-locus-VNTR-analysis (MLVA) and, in part, by twelve single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and four single nucleotide repeat (SNR) markers. A total of 37 genotypes (GT) were identified by MLVA, belonging to four SNP-groups. All GTs belonged to the A-branch in the cluster- and SNP-analyses. Thirteen GTs were found only outside the ENP, 18 only within the ENP and 6 both inside and outside. Genetic distances between isolates increased with increasing time between isolations. However, genetic distance between isolates at the beginning and end of the study period was relatively small, indicating that while the majority of GTs were only found sporadically, three genetically close GTs, accounting for more than four fifths of all the ENP isolates, appeared dominant throughout the study period. Genetic distances among isolates were significantly greater for isolates from different host species, but this effect was small, suggesting that while species-specific ecological factors may affect exposure processes, transmission cycles in different host species are still highly interrelated. The MLVA data were further used to establish a model of the probable evolution of GTs within the endemic region of the ENP. SNR-analysis was helpful in correlating an isolate with its source but did not elucidate epidemiological relationships.     

Molecular characterization of Korean Bacillus anthracis isolates by amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis and multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis

We analyzed the genetic relationships and molecular characteristics of 34 Bacillus anthracis isolates from soil and clinical samples in various regions of Korea and 17 related Bacillus species, using the amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and multilocus variable-number tandem repeat (MLVA) approaches. Triplicate AFLP profiles of these strains showed high reproducibility and identified 376 polymorphisms. AFLP phylogenetic analysis of B. anthracis isolates showed a high level of similarity, 0.93, and this monomorphic fragment profile proved to be useful to differentiate B. anthracis strains from other Bacillus species. The B. cereus group was separated from other Bacillus species at a level of similarity of 0.68. Among them, some B. cereus strains showed genetic interspersion with B. thuringiensis strains. The evolutionary pattern of nucleotide differences among B. anthracis strains with the eight MLVA markers showed nine MLVA types. Three MLVA types, M1 to M3, were pathogenic B. anthracis isolates and were assigned as new genotypes belonging to the A4 and B3 clusters, compared with 89 genotypes deduced from previous data. This indicates that differences in cluster prevalence and distribution may be influenced more by MLVA markers on two plasmids loci and human activity. Consequently, we suggest that the novel MLVA type may represent significant evidence for historic adaptation to environmental conditions of the Asian continent, particularly Korea. Therefore, MLVA techniques may be available for molecular monitoring on anthrax-release-related bioterrorism and further study is required for the continuous epidemiological study of variable anthrax collections.     

MLVA genotyping of Chinese human Brucella melitensis biovar 1, 2 and 3 isolates

Background

Since 1950, Brucella melitensis has been the predominant strain associated with human brucellosis in China. In this study we investigated the genotypic characteristics of B. melitensis isolates from China using a multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) and evaluated the utility of MLVA with regards to epidemiological trace-back investigation.

Results

A total of 105 B. melitensis strains isolated from throughout China were divided into 69 MLVA types using MLVA-16. Nei's genetic diversity indices for the various loci ranged between 0.00 - 0.84. 12 out 16 loci were the low diversity with values < 0.2 and the most discriminatory markers were bruce16 and bruce30 with a diversity index of > 0.75 and containing 8 and 7 alleles, respectively. Many isolates were single-locus or double-locus variants of closely related B. melitensis isolates from different regions, including the north and south of China. Using panel 1, the majority of strains (84/105) were genotype 42 clustering to the 'East Mediterranean' B. melitensis group. Chinese B. melitensis are classified in limited number of closely related genotypes showing variation mainly at the panel 2B loci.

Conclusion

The MLVA-16 assay can be useful to reveal the predominant genotypes and strain relatedness in endemic or non-endemic regions of brucellosis. However it is not suitable for biovar differentiation of B. melitensis. Genotype 42 is widely distributed throughout China during a long time. Bruce 16 and bruce 30 in panel 2B markers are most useful for typing Chinese isolates.     

MLVA16 Typing of Portuguese Human and Animal Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus Isolates

To investigate the epidemiological relationship of isolates from different Portuguese geographical regions and to assess the diversity among isolates, the MLVA16(Orsay) assay (panels 1, 2A and 2B) was performed with a collection of 126 Brucella melitensis (46 human and 80 animal isolates) and 157 B. abortus field isolates, seven vaccine strains and the representative reference strains of each species. The MLVA16(Orsay) showed a similar high discriminatory power (HGDI 0.972 and 0.902) for both species but panel 1 and 2A markers displayed higher diversity (HGDI 0.693) in B. abortus compared to B. melitensis isolates (HGDI 0.342). The B. melitensis population belong to the "Americas" (17%) and "East Mediterranean" (83%) groups. No isolate belonged to the "West Mediterranean" group. Eighty-five percent of the human isolates (39 in 46) fit in the "East-Mediterranean" group where a single lineage known as MLVA11 genotype 116 is responsible for the vast majority of Brucella infections in humans. B. abortus isolates formed a consistent group with bv1 and bv3 isolates in different clusters. Four MLVA11 genotypes were observed for the first time in isolates from S. Jorge and Terceira islands from Azores. From the collection of isolates analysed in this study we conclude that MLVA16(Orsay) provided a clear view of Brucella spp. population, confirming epidemiological linkage in outbreak investigations. In particular, it suggests recent and ongoing colonisation of Portugal with one B. melitensis lineage usually associated with East Mediterranean countries.     

Global genetic population structure of Bacillus anthracis

Anthrax, caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a disease of historical and current importance that is found throughout the world. The basis of its historical transmission is anecdotal and its true global population structure has remained largely cryptic. Seven diverse B. anthracis strains were whole-genome sequenced to identify rare single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), followed by phylogenetic reconstruction of these characters onto an evolutionary model. This analysis identified SNPs that define the major clonal lineages within the species. These SNPs, in concert with 15 variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) markers, were used to subtype a collection of 1,033 B. anthracis isolates from 42 countries to create an extensive genotype data set. These analyses subdivided the isolates into three previously recognized major lineages (A, B, and C), with further subdivision into 12 clonal sub-lineages or sub-groups and, finally, 221 unique MLVA15 genotypes. This rare genomic variation was used to document the evolutionary progression of B. anthracis and to establish global patterns of diversity. Isolates in the A lineage are widely dispersed globally, whereas the B and C lineages occur on more restricted spatial scales. Molecular clock models based upon genome-wide synonymous substitutions indicate there was a massive radiation of the A lineage that occurred in the mid-Holocene (3,064-6,127 ybp). On more recent temporal scales, the global population structure of B. anthracis reflects colonial-era importation of specific genotypes from the Old World into the New World, as well as the repeated industrial importation of diverse genotypes into developed countries via spore-contaminated animal products. These findings indicate humans have played an important role in the evolution of anthrax by increasing the proliferation and dispersal of this now global disease. Finally, the value of global genotypic analysis for investigating bioterrorist-mediated outbreaks of anthrax is demonstrated.     

Comparison of minisatellite polymorphisms in the Bacillus cereus complex: a simple assay for large-scale screening and identification of strains most closely related to Bacillus anthracis

Polymorphism of five tandem repeats that are monomorphic in Bacillus anthracis was investigated in 230 isolates of the B. cereus group and in 5 sequenced B. cereus genomes in search for markers allowing identification of B. cereus and B. thuringiensis strains most closely related to B. anthracis. Using this multiple-locus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), a cluster of 30 strains was selected for further characterization. Eventually, six of these were characterized by multilocus sequence type analysis. One of the strains is only six point mutations (of almost 3,000 bp) away from B. anthracis and was also proposed to be closest to B. anthracis by MLVA analysis. However, this strain remains separated from B. anthracis by a number of significant genetic events observed in B. anthracis, including the loss of the hemolysin activity, the presence of four prophages, and the presence of the two virulence plasmids, pXO1 and pXO2. One particular minisatellite marker provides an efficient assay to identify the subset of B. cereus and B. thuringiensis strains closely related to B. anthracis. Based on these results, a very simple assay is proposed that allows the screening of hundreds of strains from the B. cereus complex, with modest equipment and at a low cost, to eventually fill the gap with B. anthracis and better understand the origin and making of this dangerous pathogen.     

Meso-scale ecology of anthrax in southern Africa: a pilot study of diversity and clustering

It has only recently been possible to detect sufficient genetic diversity among anthrax isolates to allow genotype grouping (Keim et al. 1997). Early results of such grouping suggest that the southern African subcontinent may be the geographical origin of Bacillus anthracis. This report describes a pilot investigation of the genetic diversity of a study group of isolates from the Kruger National Park, South Africa, and efforts to detect spatio-temporal clustering within the study group. This study has also served as further validation for the newly developed Multi-Locus VNTR Analysis (MLVA), designed to simplify genotyping of B. anthracis isolates. The results reveal a diverse range of genotypes within the park allied with three genotype reference groups, and show that the MLVA procedure is robust for rapid analysis of B. anthracis genotypes. We also observed multiple genotype groups within epidemics and between geographically and temporally close epidemic episodes. This is in contrast to earlier characterizations of anthrax epidemics. The result of a Mantel test for time-space clustering indicates clustering of the anthrax isolates selected for the study.     

Multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis reveals genetic relationships within Bacillus anthracis

Bacillus anthracis is one of the most genetically homogeneous pathogens described, making strain discrimination particularly difficult. In this paper, we present a novel molecular typing system based on rapidly evolving variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci. Multiple-locus VNTR analysis (MLVA) uses the combined power of multiple alleles at several marker loci. In our system, fluorescently labeled PCR primers are used to produce PCR amplification products from eight VNTR regions in the B. anthracis genome. These are detected and their sizes are determined using an ABI377 automated DNA sequencer. Five of these eight loci were discovered by sequence characterization of molecular markers (vrrC(1), vrrC(2), vrrB(1), vrrB(2), and CG3), two were discovered by searching complete plasmid nucleotide sequences (pXO1-aat and pXO2-at), and one was known previously (vrrA). MLVA characterization of 426 B. anthracis isolates identified 89 distinct genotypes. VNTR markers frequently identified multiple alleles (from two to nine), with Nei's diversity values between 0.3 and 0.8. Unweighted pair-group method arithmetic average cluster analysis identified six genetically distinct groups that appear to be derived from clones. Some of these clones show worldwide distribution, while others are restricted to particular geographic regions. Human commerce doubtlessly has contributed to the dispersal of particular clones in ancient and modern times.     

Streptococcus suis outbreak investigation using multiple‐locus variable tandem repeat number analysis

Two outbreaks of Streptococcus suis ST7 occurred in humans in 1998 and 2005 in China. PFGE of chromosome restriction fragments found all ST7 isolates to be indistinguishable. Due to the genetic homogeneity of ST7 isolates, development of a rapid sub‐typing method with high discriminatory power for ST7 isolates is required. In this study, a novel method, MLVA, was developed to type S. suis serotype 2 strains. Further, this method was used to analyze outbreak‐associated ST7 strains in China. A total of 144 ST7 S. suis isolates were sub‐typed into 34 MLVA types. Among these, eight isolates from the 1998 outbreak were sub‐typed into five MLVA types, of which four MLVA types were also detected in Sichuan in 2005. These data indicate that the pathogens responsible for the two outbreaks had the same origin. In addition, some observations also provided molecular evidence for the transmission route, possibly indicating that the MLVA method has usefulness in epidemiology. The developed MLVA scheme for S. suis has greater discriminative power than PFGE. The method described here may be useful for identifying the source of S. suis infection and monitoring its spread.