Random amplified polymorphic DNA genotyping of Mycobacterium malmoense

Abstract

The suitability of random amplified polymorphic DNA-PCR for the detection of differences between Mycobacterium malmoense strains was evaluated. With two of the 32 tested primers seven fingerprint patterns which proved excellent in distinguishing intraspecies variations of M. malmoense were obtained. The combination of the results obtained with the two primers permitted a clear separation of the strains. This technique is useful for analyzing species whose DNA sequences are not known. It can easily be adapted to test any mycobacterial species.