The significance of microbial subtyping lies in its ability to identify and differentiate between different strains of pathogens. This is essential for several reasons:
Tracking Disease Spread: By identifying specific strains, researchers can trace the origin and transmission pathways of an outbreak. Identifying Sources of Infection: It helps in pinpointing the contamination sources in foodborne or waterborne diseases. Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance: Subtyping allows for the detection of antimicrobial resistance patterns, which is critical in managing treatment protocols. Vaccine Development: Understanding the genetic makeup of pathogens aids in the development of effective vaccines.
