Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
Rapid and Specific Detection of Acinetobacter baumannii Infections Using a Recombinase Polymerase Amplification/Cas12a-based System
Published on: April 25, 2025
Comparison of polymerase chain reaction primer sets for amplification of rodent Pasteurellaceae
R Boot1, M J Vlemminx, F A G Reubsaet
1Section of Laboratory Animal Microbiology, BA Bilthoven The Netherlands. r.boot@rivm.nl
Abstract:
Monitoring of rodents for Pasteurellaceae infection may be carried out by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We tested which of 17 rodent Pasteurellaceae strains were detected by three PCR primer sets. By phylogenetic analysis, 12 strains were assigned to the Rodent cluster and five strains to other clusters, namely the Somnus cluster, Pasteurella sensu stricto, Actinobacillus sensu stricto, the Mannheimia and Rossii cluster. A primer set developed to detect biotype Heyl [Pasteurella] pneumotropica produced amplicons from three strains and appeared specific for this taxon. A primer set developed to detect biotype Jawetz [P.] pneumotropica produced amplicons from the [P.] pneumotropica type strain and two other strains within the Rodent cluster. A primer set as described by Bootz and his co-workers (Bootz F, Kirschnek S, Nicklas W, Wyss SK, Homberger FR. Detection of Pasteurellaceae in rodents by polymerase chain reaction analysis. Lab Anim Sci 1998;48:542-6) for the detection of all Pasteurellaceae indeed detected all bacterial strains examined. Bootz's primer set should be used to monitor rodents for Pasteurellaceae infection by PCR as FELASA recommends the monitoring of rodents for all Pasteurellaceae taxa. Health monitoring reports should specify the primer set(s) used for PCR testing rodents for Pasteurellaceae infection.
Insights
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) effectively monitors rodents for Pasteurellaceae infections. Bootz
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Rodent Health Monitoring
Background:
- Pasteurellaceae are common bacterial pathogens in rodents.
- Accurate detection methods are crucial for rodent health surveillance.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) offers a sensitive diagnostic approach.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of three PCR primer sets for Pasteurellaceae detection in rodents.
- To identify the most suitable PCR method for comprehensive Pasteurellaceae monitoring in rodent populations.
Main Methods:
- Phylogenetic analysis of 17 rodent Pasteurellaceae strains.
- Testing the detection capabilities of three distinct PCR primer sets against these strains.
- Comparison of primer set performance based on specificity and inclusivity.
Main Results:
- Twelve strains clustered within the Rodent group, while five belonged to other clusters.
- One primer set showed specificity for [Pasteurella] pneumotropica biotype Heyl.
- Another primer set detected [P.] pneumotropica biotype Jawetz and related strains.
- Bootz's primer set successfully detected all 17 Pasteurellaceae strains tested.
Conclusions:
- Bootz's primer set is recommended for comprehensive Pasteurellaceae monitoring in rodents via PCR.
- This aligns with FELASA recommendations for monitoring all Pasteurellaceae taxa.
- Health monitoring reports should clearly state the PCR primer sets utilized.
