The variance of tandem repeats in the rpoT gene of Mycobacterium leprae was recently demonstrated. The objects of this study was to examine the proportion and distributions of the genotypes of M. leprae in Korea and to compared it with genotypes of M. leprae form foreign leprosy patients using difference of the tandem repeats. Among 101 cases, 72 isolated from Korea and 4 cases from Japan (except Okinawa) demonstrated four copies of the 6 bp tandem repeats in the rpoT gene, and three copies were found in isolates from two korean, 2 cases of Okinawa in Japan, and those from Southeast Asian countries, Peru and Paraguay. These results reveal the genetic diversity of M. leprae and the related genotype-specific distribution in the world. In this study, a more detailed explanation can be also possible regarding the transmission route of M. leprae.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Genetic Variation ; Genotype ; Humans ; Japan ; Korea ; Leprosy* ; Mycobacterium leprae ; Paraguay ; Peru ; Tandem Repeat Sequences

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to identify the status of clerkship education and its evaluation in Korea. METHODS: Questionnaires were sent to 943personnel in 23clinical departments of 41medical schools nationwide from April, 1 to April 10, 2004. We analyzed the 638 questionnaires that were collected from 39medical schools. RESULTS: The most frequently used methodologies for clerkship education were small group lecture(17.1%), observation of ambulatory care(15.7%), seminar(12.9%), observation and support of operation(12.4%), ward rounding(12.1%). The relative proportion of educational methodologies was varied according to the type of clinical departments. Most of the clinical clerkship activity was conducted in the university hospital. Also, the clerkship activities were educated by professors(57.8%), fellows(9.1%), residents(30.6%) and others(2.5%). The evaluation methods were written exam(21.8%), attendance(17.5%), report(14.0%), and oral exam(12.0%). In terms of evaluating items, acquirement of clinical knowledge has been mainly tested. However, students' ability to communicate, build human relationship, and clinical skills has been less frequently evaluated in most of medical schools. CONCLUSION: It is most likely that the current status of clerkship education and its evaluation in Korea is focused on the education and assessment of clinical knowledge. To improve this, the following areas need to be enriched: interaction between faculty and students, experience-based clerkship, effective feedback, time management, objectivity of evaluation, performance evaluation.
Clinical Clerkship ; Clinical Competence ; Education* ; Evaluation Studies as Topic ; Humans ; Korea ; Schools, Medical* ; Time Management ; Surveys and Questionnaires