DETERMINATION OF PHYLOGENETIC RELATIONSHIP OF YERSINIA PESTIS STRAINS FROM NATURAL PLAGUE FOCI OF THE CAUCASUS BY MULTI-LOCUS VNTR-ANALYSIS

Abstract

Aim. Determination of the degree of phylogenetic relationship of Yersinia pestis strains isolated from the territories of natural foci of plague from the Caucasus using VNTR-typing by 25 loci (MLVA25). Materials and methods. 26 strains of Y. pestis from Russian natural foci of the Caucasus were used in the study. 25 loci of tandem repeats in Y. pestis genome by Le Fleche scheme were used for execution of multi-locus VNTR-analysis. Deciphering of nucleotide sequences was carried out in automatic sequencer ABI 3130 Genetic Analyser. Analysis of confinement of clusters to certain territories, objects and time of isolation of strains was carried out using Arc GIS 10.1 program. Results. Groups of MLVA25-types of various levels of discrimination were formed: clusters, groups and subgroups. Clusters were formed by strains of various taxonomic membership: main and subspecies of Y. pestis. Subgroups reflect membership of strains in certain foci, and MLVA25-types - the degree of genetic relationship. Conclusion. Genetic «portraits» of plague causative agents obtained using MLVA25-types circulating in various natural-focal territories allow to solve problems ofboth theoretical and practical character: from interpretation of microevolution processes to the search of the source of infection and ways of its spread during possible epidemic complications.

Keywords

• yersinia pestis
• yersinia pestis
• natural plague foci of the caucasus
• genotyping
• multi-locus vntr-analysis (mlva25)