Utility of 16S rDNA Sequencing for Identification of Rare Pathogenic Bacteria

作者：Loong Shih Keng; Khor Chee Sieng; Jafar Faizatul Lela; AbuBakar Sazaly

来源：Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis, 2016, 30(6): 1056-1060.

DOI：10.1002/jcla.21980

• 16S rDNA
• infectious disease
• Malaysia
• pathogenic bacteria

BackgroundPhenotypic identification systems are established methods for laboratory identification of bacteria causing human infections. Here, the utility of phenotypic identification systems was compared against 16S rDNA identification method on clinical isolates obtained during a 5-year study period, with special emphasis on isolates that gave unsatisfactory identification.
MethodsOne hundred and eighty-seven clinical bacteria isolates were tested with commercial phenotypic identification systems and 16S rDNA sequencing. Isolate identities determined using phenotypic identification systems and 16S rDNA sequencing were compared for similarity at genus and species level, with 16S rDNA sequencing as the reference method.
ResultsPhenotypic identification systems identified similar to 46% (86/187) of the isolates with identity similar to that identified using 16S rDNA sequencing. Approximately 39% (73/187) and similar to 15% (28/187) of the isolates showed different genus identity and could not be identified using the phenotypic identification systems, respectively. Both methods succeeded in determining the species identities of 55 isolates; however, only similar to 69% (38/55) of the isolates matched at species level. 16S rDNA sequencing could not determine the species of similar to 20% (37/187) of the isolates.
ConclusionThe 16S rDNA sequencing is a useful method over the phenotypic identification systems for the identification of rare and difficult to identify bacteria species. The 16S rDNA sequencing method, however, does have limitation for species-level identification of some bacteria highlighting the need for better bacterial pathogen identification tools.

• 出版日期2016-11