Development of a multiplex PCR assay for the simultaneous detection and identification of Arcobacter butzleri, Arcobacter cryaerophilus and Arcobacter skirrowii

A multiplex PCR assay with five primers targeting the 16S and 23S rRNA gene s was developed for the simultaneous detection and identification of Arcoba cter butzleri, Arcobacter cryaerophilus and Arcobacter skirrowii. The selec ted primers amplify a 257-bp fragment from A. cryaerophilus, a 401-bp fragm ent from A. butzleri and a 641-bp fragment from A. skirrolwii. No PCR produ ct was generated for closely related bacteria including Campylobacter and H elicobacter species. The assay was useful to identify cultures after in vit ro cultivation and to detect and identify A. butlzeri and A. cryaerophilus from poultry samples present in 24-h old enrichment in Arcobacter broth wit h cefoperazone, amphotericin and teicoplanin (CAT)-supplement. (C) 2000 Fed eration of European Microbiological Societies. Published by Elsevier Scienc e B.V. All rights reserved.