Comprehensive genomic analysis of the potential limitations of several published PCR primers targeting prfA-virulence gene cluster in Listeria species.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is commonly used to detect Listeria monocytogenes, foodborne pathogen. This study conducted in silico genomic analysis to investigate the specificity and binding efficacy of four published pairs of PCR primers targeting Listeria prfA-virulence gene cluster (pVGC) based on Listeria sequences available. We first performed comprehensive genomic analyses of the pVGC, the main pathogenicity island in Listeria spp. In total, 2961 prfA, 642 plcB, 629 mpl, and 1181 hlyA gene sequences were retrieved from the NCBI database. Multiple sequence alignments and phylogenetic trees were generated using unique (non-identical or not-shared) sequences of each represented genes, targeting four pairs of PCR primers published previously, namely 202 prfA, 82 plcB, 150 mpl, and 176 hlyA unique gene sequences. Only the hlyA gene showed strong (over 94%) primer mapping results, while prfA, plcB, and mpl genes showed weak (<50%) matching results. In addition, nucleotide variations were observed at the 3' end of the primers, indicating non-binding to the targets could potentially cause false-negative results. Thus, we propose designing degenerate primers or multiple PCR primers based on as many isolates as possible to minimize the false-negative risk and reach the aim of low tolerable limits of detection.

A real-time PCR regimen for testing environmental samples for Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovars of concern to the poultry industry, with special focus on Salmonella Enteritidis.

A real-time PCR (qPCR) regimen, using up to six genetic targets, was developed to rapidly detect Salmonella and in particular identify Salmonella Enteritidis. The test regimen was first evaluated using a reference culture collection of Salmonella to confirm the appropriateness of the selected targets, which included up to three genetic markers for discrimination of Salmonella Enteritidis from other Salmonella serovars commonly found in poultry facilities. The qPCR procedure was then compared with culture methods used to detect Salmonella using a collection of enrichment broths previously generated from 239 environmental samples collected from a large number of hatchery facilities across Canada over several years. The qPCR regimen facilitated specific detection of Salmonella Enteritidis, and on a sample basis, it showed excellent agreement with the culture methods. Moreover, in many cases, qPCR detected Salmonella earlier in the culture process than did the culture method. Application of this method will significantly shorten test times and allow more timely identification of infected poultry premises, thereby improving present programmes aimed at controlling Salmonella Enteritidis at the environmental source.

Subtyping of a large collection of historical Listeria monocytogenes strains from Ontario, Canada, by an improved multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA).

Listeria monocytogenes is responsible for severe and often fatal food-borne infections in humans. A collection of 2,421 L. monocytogenes isolates originating from Ontario's food chain between 1993 and 2010, along with Ontario clinical isolates collected from 2004 to 2010, was characterized using an improved multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA). The MLVA method was established based on eight primer pairs targeting seven variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) loci in two 4-plex fluorescent PCRs. Diversity indices and amplification rates of the individual VNTR loci ranged from 0.38 to 0.92 and from 0.64 to 0.99, respectively. MLVA types and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns were compared using Comparative Partitions analysis involving 336 clinical and 99 food and environmental isolates. The analysis yielded Simpson's diversity index values of 0.998 and 0.992 for MLVA and PFGE, respectively, and adjusted Wallace coefficients of 0.318 when MLVA was used as a primary subtyping method and 0.088 when PFGE was a primary typing method. Statistical data analysis using BioNumerics allowed for identification of at least 8 predominant and persistent L. monocytogenes MLVA types in Ontario's food chain. The MLVA method correctly clustered epidemiologically related outbreak strains and separated unrelated strains in a subset analysis. An MLVA database was established for the 2,421 L. monocytogenes isolates, which allows for comparison of data among historical and new isolates of different sources. The subtyping method coupled with the MLVA database will help in effective monitoring/prevention approaches to identify environmental contamination by pathogenic strains of L. monocytogenes and investigation of outbreaks.