Identification of a gene encoding a putative phosphotransferase system enzyme IIBC in Listeria welshimeri and its application for diagnostic PCR.
OBJECTIVE
To identify a Listeria welshimeri-specific gene that can be used for identification of this species by PCR.


RESULTS
Through comparative analysis of genomic DNA from Listeria species using dot blot hybridization, an L. welshimeri-specific clone was isolated that contained a gene segment whose translated protein sequence is similar to enzyme IIBC from phosphotransferase systems in other bacteria. Using oligonucleotide primers derived from this L. welshimeri-specific clone, a 608-bp fragment was amplified from L. welshimeri genomic DNA and not from other Listeria species or other Gram-negative and Gram-positive species.


CONCLUSIONS
The PCR employing L. welshimeri-specific primers shows promise as a useful method for differentiating L. welshimeri from other Listeria species and related bacteria.
Liu
D
D
College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS, USA.
Ainsworth
A J
AJ
Austin
F W
FW
Lawrence
M L
ML
D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification; D005285:Fermentation; D023061:Gene Order; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D008087:Listeria / Q000145:classification / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010770:Phosphotransferases / Q000235:genetics*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA; D013395:Sucrose / Q000378:metabolism
D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D013395:Sucrose; D010770:Phosphotransferases