pMLST

pMLST classifies IncF plasmids by comparing IncF allele sequences against a database to create plasmid sequence types (STs).

Key Features:

• Plasmid Multi-Locus Sequence Typing: Compares sequences of IncF alleles against a database to generate plasmid sequence types.
• Allele variant detection: Identifies IncF allele variants in genome assemblies, though it randomly selects one allele when multiple variants occur in a single bacterial genome.
• FAB formula generation: Produces FAB formulae as output for IncF plasmid classification.

Scientific Applications:

• IncF plasmid lineage assessment: Enables assessment of IncF plasmid lineages associated with pandemic enterobacterial STs.
• Plasmid epidemiology: Supports classification of IncF plasmids carrying antibiotic and virulence gene cargo in Enterobacteriaceae from humans and food-producing animals.
• Clonality analysis: Assists in evaluating host strain clonality through plasmid replicon type identification.

Methodology:

The tool compares IncF allele sequences against a database to create plasmid sequence types. Python and web versions randomly select one allele to report when multiple allele variants occur in a single bacterial genome.