Variable Number Tandem Repeats for Global Strain Typing and Strain Differentiation of Mycobacterium leprae

Leprosy is chronic granulomatous disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and associated with the disability, stigma and discrimination to the affected individuals. Though often considered a disease of antiquity, it is found most commonly today in tropical and sub-tropical regions. Global efforts to eradicate leprosy have been largely successful in controlling its spread. Despite these efforts, the disease remains endemic countries emphasizing the need for greater scrutiny of its epidemiology. Strain typing and strain differentiation by Variable Number Tandem repeats (VNTR) could be useful in tracing origins and routes of infection, general leprosy surveillance and prevalence. Strain typing of Mycobacterium leprae by VNTR has been successfully carried out and predominance of leprosy bacilli in different geographical region also done by VNTR. In the present review, we reported global distribution M. leprae by Variable Number tandem repeats in systematic way to easy understanding of leprosy distribution.