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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
A High-throughput Shigella-specific Bactericidal Assay
Published on: February 27, 2019
A new multiplex PCR for differential identification of Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei and detection of
M J Farfán1, T A Garay, C A Prado
1Departamento de Pediatría, Hospital Dr Luis Calvo Mackenna, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
Abstract:
Most of the multiplex PCR (mPCR) used to identify Shigella do not discriminate between Shigella species or serotypes. We designed a mPCR to differentiate between S. flexneri and S. sonnei strains based on the detection of markers associated with the she pathogenicity island described in Shigella. In addition, specific primers were included to detect the Shigella virulence determinants ShET-1 and ShET-2 enterotoxin genes. The analysis of 304 Shigella strains from Chile and 79 Shigella strains from other geographic locations indicated that the mPCR described here detected all Shigella species and specifically differentiated S. flexneri and S. sonnei. The technique was sensitive, reproducible, specific and simple to perform, providing a new tool with the potential to be employed for epidemiological and diagnostic purposes.
Insights
This study developed a multiplex PCR (mPCR) to accurately identify Shigella species, specifically differentiating between Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei. This new tool enhances Shigella diagnostics and epidemiological tracking.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Current multiplex PCR (mPCR) methods for Shigella identification often lack species and serotype discrimination.
- Accurate differentiation of Shigella species is crucial for effective epidemiological surveillance and clinical diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and validate a novel multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay for differentiating Shigella species, particularly Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei.
- To incorporate detection of key virulence factors, ShET-1 and ShET-2 enterotoxin genes, into the mPCR assay.
Main Methods:
- Development of a multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay targeting markers on the she pathogenicity island.
- Inclusion of specific primers for Shigella enterotoxin type 1 (ShET-1) and Shigella enterotoxin type 2 (ShET-2) genes.
- Testing the mPCR assay on a collection of 304 Shigella strains from Chile and 79 strains from other regions.
Main Results:
- The developed mPCR successfully detected all tested Shigella species.
- The assay demonstrated high specificity in differentiating between Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei strains.
- The mPCR was found to be sensitive, reproducible, and simple to implement.
Conclusions:
- The novel multiplex PCR (mPCR) assay provides a reliable method for identifying Shigella species and distinguishing between Shigella flexneri and Shigella sonnei.
- This technique serves as a valuable new tool for both epidemiological studies and diagnostic applications in Shigella infections.
