Pulsed field gel electrophoresis has been performed on two isolates of Escherichia coli from the blood of newborns in the same neonatal unit. The banding pattern of one isolate had two differences from the banding pattern of the other isolate. Which of the following is the correct interpretation of these results?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of two differences in banding pattern suggests that the isolates are not identical but still closely related, which is consistent with their origin from the same neonatal unit. Therefore, option B is the correct interpretation. Option A is incorrect as the isolates are not identical, and option C is incorrect as they are still related. Option D is incorrect as both isolates are identified as Escherichia coli.

Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis Has Been Performed on Two Isolates