Mycobacterium leprae typing by genomic diversity and global distribution of genotypes

The genetic diversity and related global distribution of 51 Mycobacterium l eprae isolates were studied. Isolates were obtained from leprosy patients f rom 12 geographically distinct regions of the world and two were obtained f rom nonhuman sources. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by DNA seque ncing was performed targeting the rpoT gene of M. leprae. Isolates were cla ssified into two groups based on the number of tandem repeats composed of 6 base pairs in the rpoT gene. Isolates from Japan (except Okinawa) and Kore a belonged to one group, while those from Southeast Asian countries, Brazil , Haiti and Okinawa in Japan belonged to a second genotype. M. leprae obtai ned from two nonhuman sources tan armadillo and a mangabey monkey) revealed the latter genotype. These results demonstrate the genetic diversity of M. leprae and the related genotype-specific distribution in the world.