Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Analysis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae

The prevalence of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in the Netherlands has increased in recent years. A multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) was developed to assess the molecular epidemiology of N. gonorrhoeae and to elucidate transmission networks in high-risk groups in Amsterdam. The MLVA was evaluated using 5 variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci with various degrees of polymorphism that were amplified in 2 multiplex PCRs and were then separated and sized on an automated sequencer. The assessed number of repeats was used to create MLVA profiles that consisted of strings of 5 integers. The stability of the VNTR loci was assessed using isolates obtained from multiple anatomical locations from the same patient (n = 118) and from patients and their sexual partners (n = 55). When isolates with a single locus variant were considered to belong to the same MLVA type, 87% of samples from multiple anatomical locations and 88% of samples from sexual partners shared an MLVA type. MLVA was ultimately performed on 880 isolates that were previously genotyped by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the por-opa genes. Hierarchical cluster analysis of the MLVA profiles from 716 patient visits (one anatomical location per visit) classified 430 patient visits into 14 larger clusters (>= 10 patient visits). In 7 clusters, 81% to 100% of isolates came from men who have sex with men (MSM); in 5 clusters, 79% to 100% of isolates came from heterosexuals; and 2 clusters contained isolates from fully mixed populations. Clusters also differed in characteristics such as ethnic background and coinfections. MLVA provided accurate identification of genetically related N. gonorrhoeae strains and revealed clusters of MSM and heterosexuals reflecting distinct transmission networks.