MLST-DB

MLST-DB manages distributed, web-accessible multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) databases that store and link allelic profiles and housekeeping gene sequences to enable microbial strain discrimination.

Key Features:

• Distributed Web-Accessible Databases: Supports creation of distributed, web-accessible MLST databases interconnected over the Internet and linked to a central profiles database.
• Customizable Isolate Databases: Enables laboratories to maintain isolate databases with access restrictions that link to the central profiles database to avoid duplicating allelic profiles and sequences.
• XML-Based Configuration: Describes databases using XML files parsed by Perl CGI scripts for configuration and management.
• Extensive Query Capabilities: Provides a range of querying options with results exportable for downstream analysis.
• Scalability and Flexibility: Distributed architecture accommodates growing datasets while allowing participating centers to retain control and data integrity.
• Third-Party Tool Integration: Supports installation of third-party tools to extend analytical capabilities.

Scientific Applications:

• Strain Discrimination: Comparison of housekeeping gene fragments and allelic profiles to discriminate microbial strains for epidemiology and outbreak investigation.
• Data Sharing and Collaboration: Enables multiple laboratories to contribute and share MLST data via distributed databases linked to a central profiles database.
• Customization for Specific Projects: Allows laboratory-specific database customization and access controls to manage project-relevant isolate and allelic data.

Methodology:

Establishes distributed databases linked to a central profiles database; describes databases with XML files parsed by Perl CGI scripts; and provides robust querying options to retrieve and export allelic profiles and sequences.