Multiplex PCR-based detection and identification of the most common Salmonella second-phase flagellar antigens

Most Salmonella serotypes alternatively express phase 1 or phase 2 flagellar antigens encoded by fliC and fljB genes respectively. Flagellar phase reversal to identify both flagellar antigens is not necessary at the genetic level. Variable internal regions of the fljB genes encoding H:1,w, H:e,n,x and H:e,n,z15 antigens have been sequenced and the specific sites for each antigen determined in selected Salmonella serotypes. These results, together with flagellar H1 complex variable internal sequences previously published, have been used to design a multiplex-PCR to identify H:1,2, H:1,5, H:1,6, H:1,7, H:1,w, H:e,n,x and H:e,n,z15 second-phase antigens. These antigens are part of the most common Salmonella serotypes possessing second-phase flagellar antigens. This multiplex-PCR includes 10 primers. A total of 140 Salmonella strains associated with 49 different serotypes were tested. Each strain generated one second-phase-specific antigen fragment, ranging between 50 and 400 bps. Twenty-five strains associated with 17 serotypes, with no second-phase antigen or with an antigen different from those tested in this work, did not generate any fragments. The method is quick, specific and reproducible and is independent of the phase expressed by the bacteria when tested.