Establishment of standard operation procedures for multiple locus variable number tandem repeats analysis on typing of Brucella

Objective To establish a standard operation procedures for multiple locus variable number tandem repeats analysis(MLVA)on subtyping of Brucella, and applied study. Methods Sixteen loci were selected,the subtyping of 16 standard strains of Brucella and 32 Brucella strains isolated from different areas were conducted by nucleic acid extraction, PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis and BioNumerics(version 5.0)software. Results The MLVA established could identify 16 standard strains of Brucella and classify 32 Brucella strains from different areas as Br melitensis and Br abortus. Conclusion The standard MLVA established can be used to identify Brucella species, trace the source of infection and determine the epidemic trend.