Rapid PCR detection of Salmonella in horse faecal samples

A rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for detecting S almonella in faeces of horses and assessed on samples from horses admitted to a veterinary hospital. Direct detection was achieved by amplification of part of ompC after extraction of DNA from faeces using a spin column metho d to reduce the amount of inhibitory substances in samples. An internal pos itive control was included to detect false negative results. While the sens itivity of the PCR assay was less than culture when assessed on faeces inoc ulated with Salmonella, its sensitivity on faecal samples obtained from hor ses was much greater than culture. Salmonella DNA was detected in 40% of fa ecal samples using the PCR assay while Salmonella were cultured from only 2 % of the samples. The PCR assay has potential for use in either routine dia gnosis or for detection of the carrier status in animals. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.