A multiplex PCR for beta-lactamase genes of Haemophilus influenzae and description of a new blaTEM promoter variant.
OBJECTIVE
To establish a multiplex PCR to detect and differentiate the beta-lactamase genes of Haemophilus influenzae.


METHODS
A collection of H. influenzae isolates with a range of different beta-lactamase genes were tested in parallel with individual PCRs and the multiplex assay developed in this study.


RESULTS
The multiplex method was found to be superior to previous methods and was able to correctly detect and differentiate blaROB-1 and the variants of blaTEM present in the strains tested, including a previously unrecognized variant associated with a 54 bp insertion in the promoter region.


CONCLUSIONS
The multiplex PCR will be a useful tool for the surveillance of beta-lactamase genes in H. influenzae.
Tristram
Stephen G
SG
School of Human Life Sciences, University of Tasmania Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia. Stephen.Tristram@utas.edu.au
Nichols
Scott
S
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000201:enzymology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D018440:beta-Lactam Resistance; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000235:genetics*; D047090:beta-Lactams / Q000494:pharmacology
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D047090:beta-Lactams; D001618:beta-Lactamases