A highly sensitive and specific multiplex PCR assay for simultaneous detection of Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus

Abstract

Aims: To develop an effective multiplex PCR for simultaneous and rapid detection of Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the three most important Vibrio species that can cause devastating health hazards among human.

Methods and results: Species-specific PCR primers were designed based on toxR gene for V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus, and vvhA gene for V. vulnificus. The multiplex PCR was validated with 488 Vibrio strains including 322 V. cholerae, 12 V. vulnificus, and 82 V. parahaemolyticus, 20 other Vibrio species and 17 other bacterial species associated with human diseases. It could detect the three target bacteria without any ambiguity even among closely related species. It showed good efficiency in detection of co-existing target species in the same sample. The detection limit of all the target species was ten cells per PCR tube.

Conclusions: Specificity and sensitivity of the multiplex PCR is 100% each and sufficient for simultaneous detection of these potentially pathogenic Vibrio species in clinical and environmental samples.

Significance and impact of the study: This simple, rapid and cost-effective method can be applicable in a prediction system to prevent disease outbreak by these Vibrio species and can be considered as an effective tool for both epidemiologist and ecologist.