Application of Bioinformatic Tools for the Identification and Characterization of Microbes in the Medical Microbiology Laboratory

Abstract

Genome sequencing technologies have provided information that enables a faster, more precise characterization of bacteria, according to DNA and RNA sequences. Additionally, comparison of genomes from closely related bacteria makes it possible to determine why some strains are pathogenic, to predict clinical outcomes of infections, and to develop therapeutic strategies. Application of this technology to the clinical laboratory provides reliable and accurate means of reducing turnaround time and identification of pathogenic bacteria that might be incorrectly or not readily identified by traditional methods. In this class unit, undergraduate Medical Laboratory Science students used genome databases and online computer algorithms with simulated sequence data to identify a bacterium, as an alternative to traditional biochemical analysis. In addition, students used the genome sequence to search for virulence genes and antibiotic resistance genes. These analytical processes are applicable to molecular protocols currently in use. The students gained familiarity with bioinformatics analysis and deepened their understanding of genome structure and function.

ABBREVIATIONS: DNA – deoxyribonucleic acid, RNA – ribonucleic acid, MLS – medical laboratory science, rRNA – ribosomal ribonucleic acid, NCBI – National Center for Biotechnology Information, BLAST – Basic Local Alignment Search Tool, RAST – Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology, IDNS – Integrated Database Network Service, FASTA – a text based nucleotide and/or protein sequence format, RefSeq – reference sequence, NIH – National Institutes of Health