MERCAT

MERCAT integrates genetic markers and antibiotic susceptibility data to analyze and visualize the molecular epidemiology of bacterial pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Key Features:

• Integration of multiple data sources: Combines whole genome sequencing (WGS) data, spoligotyping, multi-locus variable-number-tandem-repeats (VNTR), and antibiotic susceptibility profiles to link genotypic characteristics with resistance patterns.
• Visualization capabilities: Represents genotypes alongside drug resistance profiles across multiple drugs to facilitate interpretation of complex datasets.
• Relationship analysis: Combines information from different genetic markers to visualize relationships among isolates and to trace origins and spread of multi-drug resistant lineages.

Scientific Applications:

• Molecular epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Analyze transmission dynamics and antibiotic resistance mechanisms in M. tuberculosis populations.
• Evolutionary and dissemination analyses: Infer evolutionary pathways and dissemination patterns of bacterial strains to inform public health interventions.

Methodology:

Implemented in the statistical programming language R and supports incorporation of genetic markers such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from whole genome sequencing, spoligotyping, multi-locus VNTR, and antibiotic susceptibility data.