What is the Difference Between MLVA and MLST

The key difference between MLVA and MLST is that 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 to characterize microbial species.

Microbial typing is normally used to determine the source and routes of infections. It confirms or rules out outbreaks. Microbial typing also traces cross-transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens and recognizes virulent strains. Moreover, microbial typing evaluates the effectiveness of control measures of pathogenic microbial species. MLVA and MLST are two molecular biological techniques used in microbial typing.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is MLVA
3. What is MLST
4. Similarities – MLVA and MLST
5. MLVA vs MLST in Tabular Form
6. Summary – MLVA vs MLST

What is MLVA?

Multiple loci VNTR analysis (MLVA) is a molecular biological method that uses the polymorphism of tandemly repeated DNA sequences to characterize microbial species. It is a method used for the genetic analysis of particular microbial species.

During the first step of MLVA, each targeted VNTR locus is amplified by PCR with flanking region-specific primers. Then the obtained fragments are size separated by electrophoresis on a capillary sequencer. The genotyping of each locus and results compiled from each sample allow characterizing a microorganism whose species is known. It also allows identifying the subspecies through allele typing and comparison to the MLVA databases.

Figure 01: MLVA

This MLVA method is more selective than the MLST method. Furthermore, the MLVA method does not require a DNA sequencing step. Thus, it makes it possible to differentiate close subspecies or clonal species.

What is MLST?

Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) is a technique that uses the polymorphism of DNA sequences of internal fragments of multiple housekeeping genes to characterize microbial species. MLST is a technique in genetic analysis for the typing of multiple loci.

Figure 02: MLST

It is a type of sequencing typing used as a reference technique to distinguish different strains of microbial species. This method is based on housekeeping genes sequencing. The housekeeping genes normally encode essential proteins of microbial agents such as a bacterium. These sequences of housekeeping genes have the particularity of presenting a stable polymorphism over time. Therefore, the differences in sequences of housekeeping genes are sufficient enough to distinguish strains from each other. Furthermore, the first MLST scheme to be developed was Neisseria meningitidis, the causative agent of meningococcal meningitis and septicemia. Since its introduction, MLST has been used not only for human pathogens but also for plant pathogens.

What are the Similarities Between MLVA and MLST?

MLVA and MLST are two molecular biological techniques used in microbial typing.
Both techniques can be used for microbial phylogenetic analysis.
Both techniques are based on genetic polymorphism.
They can be used for the detection of human diseases causing microbial pathogens.
Both techniques should be performed by skilled molecular biologists.

What is the Difference Between MLVA and MLST?

MLVA is a technique that uses the polymorphism of tandemly repeated DNA sequences to characterize microbial species. Meanwhile, MLST is a technique that uses the polymorphism of DNA sequences of internal fragments of multiple housekeeping genes to characterize microbial species. Thus, this is the key difference between MLVA and MLST. Furthermore, the MLVA method is more selective than the MLST method.

The below infographic presents the differences between MLVA and MLST in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – MLVA vs MLST

MLVA and MLST are two molecular biological techniques used in microbial typing. 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 to characterize microbial species. So, this is the key difference between MLVA and MLST.

Reference:

1. “Multiple Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 Feb. 2016.
2. “Multilocus Sequence Typing.” An Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.