[Multiple locus variable number tandem repeat analysis genotype polymorphism of in China].

To analyze the multiple locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) genotype polymorphism of and establish a MLVA genotype database of in China. strains isolated from different sources in China since 1947 were collected. Genotype identification was carried out using the MLVA15 genotyping protocol based on 15 variable number tandem repeat loci. The genotypes were uniformly numbered and named. The distribution characteristics of the MLVA genotypes of strains were analyzed. Software Bionumerics was used to construct clustering diagrams to analyze the genetic relationships. The MLVA15 clustering analysis subdivided the isolates into 4 major groups and 91 genotypes, 54 of which were unique to China. The genotypes from MLVA15-CHN1 to MLVA15-CHN6 were widely distributed throughout China and in all eras, while other genotypes were restricted to certain regions or eras. This study established a MLVA genotype database of , which provides basis for the understanding of MLVA genetic polymorphisms and the control and molecular source tracing of the anthrax outbreaks in China.