A novel multiplex PCR for the identification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus.
OBJECTIVE
To establish a simple multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that will identify Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus.


RESULTS
A total of 429 Vibrio spp. from various origins were tested with the novel primers targeting toxR. The reverse primers were all designed to be species specific, while the forward primer was universal. The primers correctly identified all the V. parahaemolyticus, V. cholerae and V. vulnificus isolates tested.


CONCLUSIONS
The toxR multiplex PCR works well when the initial colony morphology is known. If not, Vibrio alginolyticus might represent a diagnostic obstacle.


CONCLUSIONS
The method provides a fast and reliable way of identifying the main Vibrio spp. involved in food-borne disease. The method could prove very useful for laboratories working with identification of these Vibrio spp.
Bauer
A
A
Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Oslo, Norway. anette.bauer@veths.no
Rørvik
L M
LM
D000818:Animals; D015373:Bacterial Typing Techniques; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005798:Genes, Bacterial; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014734:Vibrio cholerae / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014736:Vibrio parahaemolyticus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D041261:Vibrio vulnificus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*