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Published on: July 1, 2018
Fifteen Streptococcus suis serotypes identified by multiplex PCR
Anusak Kerdsin1, Surang Dejsirilert1, Yukihiro Akeda2
1National Institute of Health, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Abstract:
A multiplex PCR was developed to detect 15 serotypes of Streptococcus suis. This multiplex PCR was separated into two reaction sets. The first set identified nine serotypes (serotypes 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 14 and 16) and the second set identified six serotypes (serotypes 5, 8, 10, 19, 23 and 25). This assay correctly detected serotypes 2, 5 and 14 in human isolates, and serotypes 1, 2, 1/2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 14, 16 and 19 in pig isolates from Thailand. No cross-reaction was observed with other streptococcal species. This assay may be useful for the serotype surveillance of human and pig isolates of S. suis.
Insights
A new multiplex PCR assay effectively identifies 15 Streptococcus suis serotypes in human and pig samples. This method aids in Streptococcus suis serotype surveillance for both human and animal health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Streptococcus suis is a significant zoonotic pathogen causing meningitis and other infections in humans and pigs.
- Accurate and rapid serotyping is crucial for epidemiological surveillance and control of Streptococcus suis outbreaks.
- Existing methods for Streptococcus suis serotyping can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the simultaneous detection of 15 key Streptococcus suis serotypes.
- To differentiate between human and pig isolates of Streptococcus suis based on serotype identification.
Main Methods:
- A multiplex PCR assay was designed and optimized into two reaction sets to cover 15 Streptococcus suis serotypes.
- The assay was tested using both human and pig isolates, including isolates from Thailand.
- Specificity was assessed by challenging the assay with other streptococcal species to rule out cross-reactions.
Main Results:
- The multiplex PCR assay successfully identified nine serotypes (1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 14, 16) in the first set and six serotypes (5, 8, 10, 19, 23, 25) in the second set.
- The assay demonstrated high accuracy in detecting specific serotypes in human (2, 5, 14) and pig (1, 2, 1/2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 14, 16, 19) isolates.
- No cross-reactivity was observed with other streptococcal species, confirming the assay's specificity.
Conclusions:
- The developed multiplex PCR assay provides a rapid, specific, and reliable method for identifying multiple Streptococcus suis serotypes.
- This assay is a valuable tool for the epidemiological surveillance of Streptococcus suis in both human and pig populations.
- The findings support the use of this assay for timely diagnosis and outbreak investigations involving Streptococcus suis.
