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Title: A Multiplex PCR Method for the Rapid Serotyping of Common Clinical Isolates of Salmonella

Author
item Frye, Jonathan
item Cray, Paula
item Jackson, Charlene
item Englen, Mark

Submitted to: American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/28/2008
Publication Date: 10/28/2008
Citation: Frye, J.G., Cray, P.J., Jackson, C.R., Englen, M.D. 2008. A Multiplex PCR Method for the Rapid Serotyping of Common Clinical Isolates of Salmonella. American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians. October 28, 2008. Reno, Nevada.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Salmonella enterica can cause disease in humans and in animals. There are over 2400 different serotypes of Salmonella and determining serotype in an infection is essential for attributing the infection to a specific bacterium. Conventional serotype is determined in a laboratory by reaction between Salmonella antigens with specific antibodies. This is a lengthy process which requires many days, specialized experience and costly production of serum antibody. Recent research using genomic analysis of Salmonella serotypes has revealed that each serotype has a core number of genes (about 4000) in addition to 400-600 genes that are specific for each serotype. The analyses of gene distribution within specific serotypes have been used to develop techniques to replace conventional serotyping. We identified a small number of genes that can differentiate between most common serotypes of Salmonella. These were used to develop a multiplex PCR that can identify the top 35 clinical Salmonella serotypes. This represent over 85% of all Salmonella isolated associated with food borne illness in the U.S. The multiplex PCR is cheaper, quicker and easier to perform than conventional serological typing and can be adopted by any laboratory. This represents a significant improvement in both speed and ease over conventional serotyping.