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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
An Allelotyping PCR for Identifying Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis, Hadar, Heidelberg, and Typhimurium
Published on: July 22, 2011
A multiplex polymerase chain reaction method for rapid identification of Citrobacter freundii and Salmonella species,
Chia Ling Lin1, Cheng Hsun Chiu, Chishih Chu
1Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Background And Purpose:
Salmonella enterica is one of the most common enteric pathogens worldwide. Conventional methods of isolation of Salmonella strains take 4-7 days to complete, are laborious and require substantial manpower. We devised a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method that simultaneously uses three pairs of specific primers to detect inv, spv, and via genes of Salmonella.
Methods:
Three primer pairs were designed, including: SPVC-1 and SPVC-2, based on the nucleotide sequences of the spvC gene; INVA-1 and INVA-2, based on the invA gene; and VIAB-1 and VIAB-2, based on the viaB gene. PCR was performed using these three primers to identify 14 clinically important bacterial organisms, including Citrobacter freundii, S. enterica serovars Typhi and Paratyphi C, Dublin, and other non-typhoidal Salmonella that harbor a virulence plasmid.
Results:
The following strains were readily identified using the PCR: (1) C. freundii; (2) S. Typhi; and S. Paratyphi C; (3) S. Dublin (virulence antigen-positive); and (4) Salmonella serovars that harbor an spv-type virulence plasmid. S. enterica could also be identified, but required further testing to determine serovar.
Conclusions:
This PCR method allows S. Typhi to be identified immediately so that appropriate antibiotic treatment can be initiated without delay.
Insights
This study introduces a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for Salmonella enterica detection. The new PCR assay identifies key Salmonella genes, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment of infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Salmonella enterica is a prevalent global enteric pathogen.
- Conventional Salmonella detection methods are time-consuming (4-7 days), labor-intensive, and require significant resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid and efficient polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for Salmonella detection.
- To simultaneously detect the inv, spv, and via genes specific to Salmonella.
Main Methods:
- Designed three primer pairs targeting the spvC, invA, and viaB genes.
- Utilized a multiplex PCR approach to test 14 bacterial organisms, including various Salmonella serovars and Citrobacter freundii.
Main Results:
- Successfully identified Citrobacter freundii.
- Accurately detected Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi and Paratyphi C.
- Identified Salmonella Dublin and other Salmonella serovars carrying virulence plasmids (spv-type).
- Salmonella enterica was identified, though serovar determination required additional testing.
Conclusions:
- The developed PCR method enables immediate identification of Salmonella Typhi.
- This rapid detection facilitates prompt initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy.
- The assay offers a significant improvement over conventional Salmonella isolation techniques.
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