What is the Difference Between MLVA and MLST?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚MLVA (Multiple-Locus Variable Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis) and MLST (Multilocus Sequence Typing) are two molecular biological techniques used in microbial typing. They are used to differentiate and characterize microbial species, such as bacteria, and are often applied in the study of infectious diseases, outbreaks, and the transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens. The main differences between MLVA and MLST are:
- Method: MLVA uses the polymorphism of tandemly repeated DNA sequences to characterize microbial species, while MLST uses the polymorphism of DNA sequences of internal fragments of multiple housekeeping genes.
- Selectivity: MLVA is generally considered more selective than MLST, allowing for the differentiation of closely related subspecies (clonal species).
- Cost and Resolution: MLVA typically has lower costs than MLST and has an improved resolution compared to other typing methods like spa typing.
- Concordance: The level of concordance between MLVA and MLST can vary. In some cases, the techniques may produce similar results, while in others, they may show limited concordance.
Both techniques require skilled molecular biologists to perform them and can be applied to the detection of human disease-causing microbial pathogens.
Comparative Table: MLVA vs MLST
Here is a table comparing the differences between MLVA (Multiple Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Analysis) and MLST (Multilocus Sequence Typing):
| Feature | MLVA | MLST |
|---|---|---|
| Technique | MLVA is a molecular biological method that uses the polymorphism of tandemly repeated DNA sequences to characterize microbial species. | MLST uses the polymorphism of DNA sequences of internal fragments of multiple housekeeping genes to characterize microbial species. |
| Origin | Developed after MLST, MLVA was designed to provide higher resolution and discrimination among microbial strains. | Developed earlier than MLVA, MLST is a widely used method for microbial typing and phylogenetic analysis. |
| Polymorphism | MLVA relies on the polymorphism of tandemly repeated DNA sequences, which evolve more rapidly thanhousekeeping genes. | MLST relies on the polymorphism of DNA sequences of internal fragments of multiple housekeeping genes. |
| Discriminatory Power | MLVA is highly discriminative, allowing for the differentiation of closely related microbial strains. | MLST is less discriminative than MLVA, but still provides useful information for microbial typing and phylogenetic analysis. |
| Applications | MLVA is used to determine the source and routes of infections, trace cross-transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens, and recognize the effectiveness of control measures of pathogenic microbial species. | MLST is used for similar applications as MLVA, but its lower discriminatory power may limit its ability to differentiate closely related strains. |
In summary, MLVA is a more recent technique that evolved from MLST, offering higher resolution and discrimination among microbial strains. Both techniques are used for microbial typing and phylogenetic analysis, but MLVA provides greater differentiation of closely related strains due to its reliance on the polymorphism of tandemly repeated DNA sequences.