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.
Zhang
G W
GW
Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia.
Kotiw
M
M
Daggard
G
G
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