Culture-independent multilocus sequence typing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa for cross-infection screening

The genotyping of pathogens within cystic fibrosis cohorts is an important process, enabling the detection transmissible and clinically-important strains. Traditionally this has been via culture-dependent processes. However, culture-independent investigation respiratory samples becoming more common, with such approaches highlighting limitations culture-based methods. In study we describe application multilocus sequence typing (MLST) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, performed on DNA extracted from sputa patients. We compare output to conventional MLST applied same demonstrate high concordance. Culture-independent enabled culture-negative in patients whom P. aeruginosa was intermittently isolated, revealed hidden presence also capable containing multiple strains, albeit inconsistently. conclude that can be a useful tool screening identifying warrant further detailed investigation.