Serotype-Specific Probes and Nucleotide Sequences of Listeria Monocytogenes Cluster IIB (4b-4d-4e)

Category: Biology and Medicine

Reference Number: 00176

Description

Two genes which are unique to serotype cluster IIB (4b - 4d - 4e) have been characterized for Listeria monocytogenes. Serotype 4b is known to be the primary pathogenic species causing listeriosis. The serotype-specific region has been sequenced in its entirety from both strands. The sequences themselves correspond to novel genes, which are involved in the expression of unique surface antigens of L. monocytogens cluster IIB. In tests of 150 strains of Listeria, the unique sequence could detect any occurence of the 4b serotype.

Applications

The genes can be used in Southern and DNA dot blots for specific detection and primers have been designed from the genes to be used for sensitive and unambiguous detection and typing using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Main Advantages

The sequences are the first serotype-specific sequences that can detect strains of certain serotype-specific groups and is the first demonstration of a PCR-based approach for detection of certain serotypic groups in this pathogen.

Inventor(s)

Sophia Kathariou
Department of Microbiology
Xiang-He Lei
University of California at San Francisco

Contact Information

For licensing information, please contact Dick Cox at rcox@hawaii.edu

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