MicrobiType Information

The current gold standards of microbial genotyping are multilocus sequence typing (MLST), pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA, a.k.a. microsatellite analysis). However, these methods have disadvantages: - MLST: High cost due to requirement for sequencing ca. 7 genes; modest resolution due to focus on conserved housekeeping genes - PFGE: High cost due to requirement for highly trained and experienced personnel; portability issues that require strict standardization - MLVA: Low portability due to standardization issues; high cost due to to expensive equipment and personnel needs At MicrobiType, we recognize the need for affordable outsourcing of microbial genotyping. Our research team, with over 40 years experience in microbiology, genetics, and informatics, has developed an uncompromising, cost-effective alternative: Genomics-optimized Sequence Typing (GoST). This technology exploits the numerous genome sequences that are currently and increasingly available, and applies powerful algorithms to identify the most informative and reliable typing targets. Validation based on published studies and exhaustive analysis of available genome sequences is provided for each microbe. Our optimized genome targets and amplification/sequencing primers provide maximum strain resolution with the full portability that only sequence-based typing can provide.