A novel high-resolution melting analysis-based method for Yersinia enterocolitica genotyping

• The HRMA-based method developed typed all biotypes of Y. enterocolitica.
• The HRMA clusters were correlated with the pathogenic potential of each biotype.
• Differences were observed between environmental and putatively pathogenic isolates.
• A better understanding of the Y. enterocolitica genetic variability was provided.
• The method can be used as an alternative assay for Y. enterocolitica genotyping.

Pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica strains are associated with biotypes 1B, 2-5, while environmental strains with biotype 1A. In this work a method for Y. enterocolitica genotyping based on HRMA to determine SNPs was developed and the genetic diversity of 50 strains was determined. The strains were clustered into three groups consistent with the pathogenic profile of each biotype. The results provided a better understanding of the Y. enterocolitica genetic variability.