Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
Multiplex PCR Assay for Typing of Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome Mec Types I to V in Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: September 5, 2013
Molecular characterization of the capsular antigens of Pasteurella multocida isolates using multiplex PCR
Khalid S Al-Maary1, Turki M Dawoud1, Ayman S Mubarak1
1Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.
Abstract:
The use of molecular techniques for detection and characterization of the Pasteurella multocida is very important for rapid and specific detection and characterization of the organism. During the period from 15th February, 2014 to 15th April, 2015, 425 nasopharyngeal swabs and 175 lung and spleen samples were collected and examined by conventional methods, 80 strains (18.82%) of P. multocida were isolated from the calves, sheep and goat with respiratory manifestation. Meanwhile, 77 strains (44%) were isolated from emergency slaughtered animals. All the recovered strains were positive for specific PCR for detection of P. multocida strains previously identified as P. multocida by standard microbiological techniques. Multiplex PCR for molecular typing of the capsular antigens of the recovered P. multocida revealed positive amplification of 1044 bp fragments specific to the capsular antigen type A with 105 strains (66.88%), and amplification 511 bp fragments of the capsular antigen type E with 52 strain (33.12%) and absence of B, D and F antigens. Multiplex PCR for molecular typing of the capsular antigens of P. multocida can be used as a simple, sensitive, rapid, reliable technique instead of the serological techniques for identification of the capsular antigens of P. multocida.
Insights
Rapid molecular techniques are crucial for identifying Pasteurella multocida. Multiplex PCR effectively identified capsular antigen types A and E in isolated strains, offering a faster alternative to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Pasteurella multocida is a significant bacterial pathogen causing respiratory diseases in livestock.
- Accurate and rapid detection methods are essential for controlling disease outbreaks.
- Conventional isolation and identification methods can be time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of molecular techniques, specifically PCR, for the detection and characterization of Pasteurella multocida.
- To determine the prevalence of Pasteurella multocida in clinical and emergency slaughtered animals.
- To molecularly type the capsular antigens of isolated Pasteurella multocida strains.
Main Methods:
- Collection and microbiological examination of nasopharyngeal swabs and tissue samples (lung, spleen).
- Isolation and identification of Pasteurella multocida using standard microbiological techniques.
- Application of specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for Pasteurella multocida confirmation.
- Utilizing multiplex PCR for molecular typing of capsular antigen types (A, B, D, E, F).
Main Results:
- Pasteurella multocida was isolated from 18.82% of animals with respiratory signs and 44% of emergency slaughtered animals.
- All isolated strains were confirmed positive by specific PCR.
- Multiplex PCR identified capsular antigen type A in 66.88% of strains and type E in 33.12%.
- Types B, D, and F antigens were absent in the studied isolates.
Conclusions:
- Molecular techniques, particularly PCR, provide rapid and specific detection of Pasteurella multocida.
- Multiplex PCR is a reliable and efficient method for molecular typing of Pasteurella multocida capsular antigens.
- This approach offers a valuable alternative to conventional serological techniques for antigen identification.
