A RAPD-PCR genotyping assay which correlates with serotypes of group B streptococci.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine if DNA polymorphisms generated by RAPD-PCR could be used to characterize Group B streptococci (GBS) for epidemiological purposes.


RESULTS
30 unrelated, previously serotyped strains were analysed by RAPD-PCR using two 10-mer primers (5' TGCGAGAGTC 3' and 5' AGAGGGCACA 3'). Both primers generated DNA electropherotype patterns which, on analysis, clustered the isolates within their respective serotypes. A blind test of a further 3 field isolates also defined these strains within their subsequently determined serotypes. The detection of DNA polymorphisms between isolates within a serotype confirmed previous reports of the heterogenous nature of individual GBS serotypes.


CONCLUSIONS
The RAPD-PCR is a potentially useful assay for the rapid characterization of neonatal infections associated with group B streptococci. The method appears to be more discriminatory than conventional serological assays.


CONCLUSIONS
The RAPD-PCR assay is faster, more convenient and easier to perform than alternative DNA analytical procedures such as Pulsfield Gel Electrophoresis. We were able to reproduce the same results following re-testing of all isolates some 12 months later which suggests that the assay may be robust enough for use in routine epidemiological investigations.
Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia.
G W
GW
Zhang
M
M
Kotiw
G
G
Daggard
D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D019105:Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique / Q000379:methods*; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D012703:Serotyping; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D013292:Streptococcus agalactiae / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics
D004269:DNA, Bacterial