Flagellin gene polymorphism analysis of Campylobacter compared with antigen serotyping

Flagellin gene sequence polymorphisms were used to discrimate amongst 53 st rains of Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli. The Campylobacter strains were m ade up of forty- three strains of Campylobacter jejuni and 10 strains of Ca mpylobacter coli. The results were analysed in relation to Penner serotypin g. Twenty DNA PCR-RFLP patterns (genotypes) were identified by analysis of Dde I fragment length polymorphisms in flagellin gene (fla A and fla B) pol ymerase chain reaction (PCR) products. Flagellin gene 13 genotype was a fea ture of 15% of strains, followed by flagellin gene 8 (9%). Differences in f ragment patterns were observed not only between members of two species, but also between individual strains of the same species. The strains that were non-typable by the Penner serotype were distributed into 6 flagellin gene types. In conclusion, Dde I fla typing is reproducible and offers high typability. However, when the scheme is used in combination with the Penner serotype i t provides improved discrimination for the characterizing and subtyping of isolates.