Real-time PCR assays for quantification and differentiation of Vibrio vulnificus strains in oysters and water.

ABSTRACT: Vibrio vulnificus is an autochthonous estuarine bacterium and a pathogen that is frequently transmitted via raw shellfish. Septicemia can occur within 24 h; however, isolation and confirmation from water and oysters require days. Real-time PCR assays were developed to detect and differentiate two 16S rRNA variants, types A and B, which were previously associated with environmental sources and clinical fatalities, respectively. Both assays could detect 10(2) to 10(3) V. vulnificus total cells in seeded estuarine water and in oyster homogenates. PCR assays on 11 reference V. vulnificus strains and 22 nontarget species gave expected results (type A or B for V. vulnificus and negative for nontarget species). The relationship between cell number and cycle threshold for the assays was linear (R(

SUBMITTER: Gordon KV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2268325 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature