Rapid discrimination of Indian isolates of m.tuberculosis by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis - A preliminary report.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Due to relatively complex nature of molecular typing systems for M. tuberculosis as well as lack of applicability of some of the probes, there is a need for alternate procedures for molecular epidemiology. In this study the usefulness of RAPD analysis for typing of Indian strains of M.tuberculosis was investigated. METHODS: One hundred and three coded isolates from different parts of the country were analysed by Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Purified and amplified DNA from cultures were analysed by ethidium bromide staining after electrophoresis. The bands were confirmed by densitometry and the patterns were analysed by hierarchical cluster analysis. RESULTS: The patterns elicited by the analysis appeared to be quite discriminatory and characteristic. CONCLUSIONS: Clustering observed among isolates attending the same hospital indicates future application potential of RAPD analysis for molecular epidemiology of tuberculosis in India.