There are several molecular typing methods, each with its advantages and limitations:
Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE): PFGE is used to generate DNA fingerprints of bacterial isolates. It is highly discriminatory and useful for outbreak investigations. Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST): MLST involves sequencing internal fragments of multiple housekeeping genes. It provides precise and reproducible data, making it suitable for long-term epidemiological studies. Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD): RAPD uses random primers to amplify DNA segments. It is quick and simple but less reproducible compared to other methods. Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS): WGS provides comprehensive genetic information and is becoming the gold standard for molecular typing. It allows for high-resolution tracking of pathogen evolution and transmission.
