Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a molecular serotyping method using known serovars of Salmonella.
Methods: DNA was extracted from 49 Salmonella isolates with known serotypes. Multiplex PCR was performed using Luminex O, H, and AT primer mixes according to the manufacturers instructions. The resulting PCR product was then hybridized with the microspheres specific to select gene targets and analyzed on the Luminex® 200™ instrument.
Results: Of the 49 isolates tested, the multiplexing Salmonella Serotyping Assay was expected to completely serotype 42 isolates and provide partial serotype information for the remaining 7. The multiplexing Salmonella Serotyping Assay correctly identified 42/49 isolates. Of the remaining 7 isolates, the assay narrowed the possible serotypes significantly. This would potentially reduce the time and expense associated with conventional agglutination serotyping to identify them.
Significance: These data suggest that molecular serotyping of Salmonella using a new multiplexing technology can provide an accurate and rapid alternative to traditional agglutination serotyping.