Restriction fragment length polymorphism typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a recently developed technique which allows strains of tuberculosis to be differentiated with a high degree of confidence. The application of this technique has enabled the patterns of transmission of tuberculosis to be elucidated with far greater certainty than was previously possible. This review will discuss traditional methods of tracing the spread of tuberculosis, explain the technical principles behind RFLP typing, report on the literature validating its ability to differentiate strains of M tuberculosis, and describe studies which have used RFLP typing to increase understanding oftuberculosis transmission. Current limitations, future potentials, and implications for clinical and public health practice will be discussed.