Rapid detection of virulence-associated genes in environmental strains of Vibrio cholerae by multiplex PCR

Curr Microbiol. 2010 Mar;60(3):199-202. doi: 10.1007/s00284-009-9524-6. Epub 2009 Oct 20.

Abstract

Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera is ubiquitously distributed in aquatic environment particularly in coastal waters, estuaries, and rivers. In the present investigation, a multiplex PCR assay was developed for the detection of virulence-associated genes (rtxA, tcpA, ctxA, hlyA, and sto) in environmental isolates of V. cholerae. A total of 90 strains isolated from different environmental sources were screened for the presence of virulence-associated genes. Our results showed that this method represents a simple, cost effective, and robust tool for rapid detection of virulence-associated genes. This multiplex PCR can be used for examining prevalence of virulence-associated genes and hence will be useful for better understanding of epidemiology of environmental V. cholerae.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cholera / microbiology
  • DNA Primers
  • Environment
  • Gene Amplification
  • Humans
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Vibrio cholerae / genetics*
  • Vibrio cholerae / isolation & purification
  • Vibrio cholerae / pathogenicity
  • Virulence / genetics*
  • Water Microbiology

Substances

  • DNA Primers