Abstract
In a previous study, we developed a Multi-Locus VNTRs Analysis (MLVA) typing system, called MLVA-5, for the discrimination of Chlamydia trachomatis genovar E strain. The results suggested the clonal spread of a MLVA-5 type 21 strain among men who have sex with men (MSM). We applied the MLVA-5 typing method on 157 French anorectal genovar E specimens and 19 Swedish specimens collected between 2010 and 2015. A total of 29 MLVA-5 types was obtained, with three predominant types among French samples: 78 specimens belonged to MLVA-5 type 21, two other types, 11 and 13, included 9 and 14 specimens, respectively. In 15 cases, one unique MLVA-5 type was observed for a single patient, 7 of which were new types not previously described. The distribution of MLVA-5 types according to sexual orientation showed that the 7 anorectal specimens from heterosexual patients belonged to 6 genotypes, and the 12 anorectal specimens from bisexual patients comprised eight types. The 95 anorectal specimens from MSM were distributed into 22 types, but 55 (57.9%) of them belonged to MLVA-5 type 21. Among the Swedish specimens from MSM, eight were from MLVA-type 21 (4 urines and 4 anorectal specimens). The results support the hypothesis of the spread of clonal genovar E strain among MSM.
Highlights
Molecular epidemiological studies are essential for understanding the genetic population structure of Chlamydia trachomatis, to gain insight into the transmission of the bacterium among men who have sex with men (MSM) and to monitor emerging trends
Anorectal C. trachomatis-positive specimens were collected in France as part of national sentinel surveillance for anorectal C. trachomatis infections approved by the French Data Protection Authority (CNIL, no. 10.362) [1]
The 95 anorectal specimens from MSM were distributed into 22 types, but 55 (57.9%) of them belonged to Multi-Locus variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) Analysis (MLVA)-5 type 21, 6 (6.3%) to type 13, and 4 (4.2%) to type 11
Summary
Molecular epidemiological studies are essential for understanding the genetic population structure of Chlamydia trachomatis, to gain insight into the transmission of the bacterium among men who have sex with men (MSM) and to monitor emerging trends. In 2004, the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance launched sentinel surveillance for anorectal C. trachomatis infections released in 2010 by the French National Reference Center (NRC) for Chlamydia (Bordeaux, France) [1]. In this monitoring system, laboratories performed routine testing for C. trachomatis, and positive anorectal specimens were referred to the French NRC for specific detection of L or non-L strain [2]. Genovar identification was performed by amplifying and sequencing the ompA gene directly from clinical specimens [3].
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