SNP Genotypes of Mycobacterium leprae Isolated in Korea

Kim, Jong Pill

Abstract

Leprosy is an important health problem worldwide yet. It is caused by a chronic granulomatous infection of the skin and peripheral nerves with Mycobacterium leprae. The clinical findings from tuberculoid to lepromatous leprosy are a result of variation in the cellular immune response to the mycobacterium. The resulting impairment of nerve function causes the disabilities associated with leprosy. The widespread implementation of multi-drug therapy (MDT) has been associated with a fall in the prevalence of the leprosy but as yet no reduction in the case-detection rate globally. The leprosy control activities must be maintained for decades to interrupt transmission of infection. Based on the discovery of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in Mycobacterium leprae, it has been previously reported that there are four major SNP types associated with different geographic regions around the world. To expand the analysis of geographic distribution of M. leprae, classified by SNP, the author studied 56 clinical isolates from Korea isolates. And analysis SNP genotyping by PCR amplification and sequencing, PCR-RFLP, and pyrosequencing. The genotype of single-nucleotide polymorphism type 3, CTC, at positions 14676, 164275, and 2935685, was predominant (95%) for isolates originating in Korea.