Rapid identification of Campylobacter species using oligonucleotide probes to 16S ribosomal RNA

A comparison of the 16S ribosomal RNA sequences from various Campylobacter species was used to identify unique sequences which distinguish pathogenically significant campylobacters from other members of the genus. Oligonucleotides complementary to these sequences were synthesized, and under stringent conditions hybridization reactions using these probes and total RNA as the target nucleic acid displayed the desired species specificity. A simple, rapid lysis procedure was developed that allowed the specific detection of C. jejuni or C. coli from as few as 10(6) bacterial cells in less than eight hours. This method provides immediate advantages for the unequivocal identification of Campylobacter species in the microbiology laboratory, and demonstrates the potential for the use of these probes in a rapid diagnostic test of clinical samples for Campylobacter infection.