Reverse line blot assay for direct identification of seven Streptococcus agalactiae major surface protein antigen genes

Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2006 Jan;13(1):145-9. doi: 10.1128/CVI.13.1.145-149.2006.

Abstract

We developed a multiplex PCR-based reverse line blot hybridization assay (mPCR/RLB) to detect the genes encoding members of the family of variable surface-localized proteins of Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus [GBS]), namely, Bca (Calpha), Rib, Epsilon (Epsilon/Alp1/Alp5), Alp2, Alp3, and Alp4, and the immunoglobulin A binding protein, Bac (Cbeta). We used the assay to identify these genes in a collection of well-characterized GBS isolates and reference strains. The results showed that mPCR/RLB avoids the common problems of cross-reaction and nontypability associated with protein typing using antisera. It is as sensitive as, but more practical than, separate gene-specific PCRs and would be suitable for large molecular epidemiological studies of GBS.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Bacterial / genetics*
  • Antigens, Bacterial / metabolism
  • Antigens, Surface / genetics*
  • Antigens, Surface / metabolism
  • In Situ Hybridization / methods
  • Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Serotyping
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / genetics*
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / immunology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Antigens, Surface