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PCR based fingerprinting of Enterobacter cloacae
U N Riain1, M G Cormican, J Flynn
1Department of Medical Microbiology, University College Hospital, Galway, Ireland.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) effectively identified different strains of Enterobacter cloacae during a hospital outbreak. This DNA fingerprinting method is valuable for tracking Gram-negative rod infections in healthcare settings.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- An outbreak of lower respiratory tract infection caused by Enterobacter cloacae occurred in a university teaching hospital's intensive care unit.
- Enterobacter cloacae is a common Gram-negative rod associated with nosocomial infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of Enterobacter cloacae in an intensive care unit.
- To evaluate the utility of Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) for differentiating bacterial strains in a clinical setting.
Main Methods:
- The study utilized Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) for molecular typing.
- Bacterial isolates were characterized by biochemical profiles and antibiograms.
Main Results:
- Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) successfully differentiated between Enterobacter cloacae strains that exhibited identical biochemical profiles and antibiograms.
- The technique proved readily applicable to Enterobacter cloacae.
Conclusions:
- Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is a versatile and effective tool for investigating outbreaks of Gram-negative rod infections in hospitals.
- This DNA fingerprinting technique aids in distinguishing between closely related bacterial strains, which is crucial for infection control.