Rapid detection of mutations associated with resistance to erythromycin inCampylobacter jejuni/coli by PCR and line probe assay

Mutation of 23S rDNA is one of the mechanisms of erythromycin resistance. P CR and line probe assay (PCR-LiPA) with ten oligonucleotide probes were dev eloped to detect the mutations associated with macrolide resistance at posi tions of 2072, 2073 and 2074 in 23S rDNA of Campylobacter jejuni/coli. A207 4 --> G mutation was detected in 12 of 25 isolates, which were resistant to erythromycin. No other mutations in 23S rDNA were detected. The rest of th e strains were susceptible to erythromycin and no mutation in 23S rDNA was detected. Six laboratory induced erythromycin resistant mutants had no muta tions in 23S rDNA. PCR-LiPA is a useful and rapid method to detect mutation s in 23S rDNA associated with erythromycin resistance in C. jejuni/coli. (C ) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. and International Society of Chemotherapy, All rights reserved.