Search for enterotoxin gene in Bacteroides fragilis strains isolated from clinical specimens in Poland, Great Britain, The Netherlands and France

Abstract

Background: Bacteroides fragilis is a member of normal human flora and well known pathogenic agent. This bacterium produces many virulence factors. In 1984 new virulence factor--enterotoxin was described. The aim of the study was to search for enterotoxin gene in B. fragilis strains isolated from clinical specimens.

Material and methods: Strains isolated in Poland, Great Britain, France and the Netherlands were cultured on BBE medium. For DNA isolation Genomic DNA PREP PLUS isolation kit manufactured by A&A Biotechnology (Poland) was used. In order to detect enterotoxin (fragilysin) gene, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied utilizing the following primers: 404 (GAG CGG AAG ACG GTG TAT GTG ATT TGT) and 407 (TGC TCA GCG CCC AGT ATA TGA CCT AGT). DNA obtained from bacterial cells was amplified in thermocycler Techne. The amplification products were detected by the electrophoresis in 1% agarose gel.

Results: Among 65 investigated B. fragilis strains, the enterotoxin gene was detected in DNA isolated from 12 strains.

Conclusion: The enterotoxin producing B. fragilis strains were detected among strains isolated from different clinical specimens in Poland, Great Britain, the Netherlands and France.