Final summary and future prospects

Abstract

This book has been concerned with the application of molecular methods to both the identification and typing of microoganisms. However, in reality, typing is simply an extension of identification in that the whole microbial population can be considered as being made up of a deep clonal structure that has evolved since the origin of microbial life, overlaid with more recent and subtle changes selected by the environment and by the movement of genes from clone to clone by processes of genetic recombination. The aim of any identification and typing method is to generate ‘windows’ by which this clonal structure can be examined in either gross (‘identification’) or fine (‘typing’) detail. Thus, once ‘identification’ has been achieved, the aim of a ‘typing’ method is to discriminate between a collection of ‘identified’ strains in such a manner as to either refute or confirm the closeness of individual members. In addition, the ideal typing scheme will have an external frame of reference to aid in the interpretation of anomalies.