Bio-Linux and MLST
Bio-Linux is a complete bioinformatics system based on the Debian Linux distribution. It is developed by the NERC Environmental Bioinformatics Centre, funded by NERC. Further details can be found on the Bio-Linux web site.
Some of the software available with Bio-Linux can be used for sequence assembly in MLST projects. In particular, the combination of STARS and Staden enables the rapid assembly and assignment of MLST allele sequences. With this software and good sequence data, traces obtained from a full 96 well plate can be assembled and alleles assigned in a matter of minutes.
We make software available that can be used to set up local MLST databases on a Bio-Linux system. Local profile databases can be created that automatically update themselves from PubMLST.org, and local isolate databases can be set up to link to these profile databases.
If you are not a NERC grant holder, the easiest way to obtain Bio-Linux is to install Debian Linux and then install the Bio-Linux packages on top.