Detection of Chromobacterium violaceum by multiplex PCR targeting the prgI, spaO, invG, and sipB genes

Based on the recently completed genomic sequence of Chromobacterium violaceum American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 12472 a multiplex PCR assay targeting the prgI, spaO, invG, and sipB genes of the Salmonella SPI-I homologue type-III secretion system was developed. PCR products of 255 bp (prgI), 749 bp (spaO), 1685 bp (invG), and 1752 bp (sipB) were successfully amplified simultaneously in a single reaction with all Chr. violaceum strains investigated whereas other bacteria tested negative. The detection limit for pure cultures in multiplex PCR analysis was 100 CFU. The developed assay significantly improves rapid identification of Chr. violaceum and allows its differentiation from closely related organisms. (c) 2005 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.