ARS | Publication request: Detection of a Bacteriophage Gene Encoding a Mu-like Portal Protein in Haemophilus parasuis Reference Strains and Field Isolates by Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction

Submitted to: Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: January 6, 2011
Publication Date: May 20, 2011
Citation: Zehr, E.S., Tabatabai, L.B. 2011. Detection of a bacteriophage gene encoding a Mu-like portal protein in Haemophilus parasuis reference strains and field isolates by nested polymerase chain reaction. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. 23(3):538-542.

Interpretive Summary: The gene encoding a bacteriophage protein of bacteriophage Mu, was used to develop a nested PCR assay. The assay could differentiate between Haemophilus parasuis bacteria harboring the gene and those which did not appear to carry the gene. The results suggest that the nested PCR technique described here could serve as a tool for epidemiological studies of H. parasuis.

Technical Abstract: A nested PCR assay was developed to determine the presence of a gene encoding a bacteriophage Mu-like portal protein, gp29, in 15 reference strains and 31 field isolates of Haemophilus parasuis. Specific primers, based on the gene’s sequence, were utilized. A majority of the virulent reference strains and field isolates tested harbored the gene. This assay might be useful in detection of animals infected with H. parasuis.