Random amplified polymorphic DNA fingerprinting for rapid identification of leptospiras of serogroup Sejroe

Eight leptospiral and three non-leptospiral primers were examined in the development of a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting method for identification of leptospiral serovars within the serogroup Sejroe. The strains examined comprised 19 reference strains of serogroup Sejroe, five field strains and 17 Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar hardjo type hardjobovis strains. Unique DNA banding patterns were obtained for each of the 17 reference strains with L. hardjo type hardjobovis-derived primers, and all clinical isolates were identified as L. hardjo type hardjobovis. Although the profiles were specific for each serovar, most serovars within serogroup Sejroe clustered into previously recognised genetic groups. RAPD fingerprinting is a simple, rapid method suitable for the identification of some Leptospira serovars.