title: Multiplex PCR assay for the detection of high virulence rabbit Staphylococcus aureus strains.
abstract: High virulence rabbit Staphylococcus aureus strains, which are clonal in origin, are responsible for the spread of chronic staphylococcosis at the rabbit flock level. The aim of the present study was to develop a multiplex PCR assay that can be used for the identification of these high virulence strains. Two targets of the assay were the bbp and the selm genes, which have recently been shown to occur specifically in high virulence isolates. A third target was a sequence designated "flank", which was derived from a previously generated high virulence specific RAPD pattern. Furthermore, the femA gene, which is specific for S. aureus, was incorporated in order to avoid false negative results due to insufficient DNA preparation. The multiplex PCR was successful at differentiating the 26 typical high virulence and 50 low virulence rabbit S. aureus strains incorporated in the present study. Therefore it is useful for the initial screening of newly acquired breeding stock, in order to prevent the intake of high virulence strains in rabbitries.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium. dieter.vancraeynest@UGent.be
authors.forename: Dieter
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vancraeynest
authors.forename: Freddy
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Haesebrouck
authors.forename: Katleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hermans
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D011817:Rabbits / Q000382:microbiology*; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification* / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D014774:Virulence
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; C096686:FemA protein, Bacteria; C405490:bone sialoprotein-binding protein, Staphylococcus aureus