Application of the β-lactamase (VPA0477) Gene for the Detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus by Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract

In this study, the β-lactamase (VPA0477) gene was used as a new target for the PCR-based detection of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Primers specific for the β-lactamase (VPA0477) gene of V. parahaemolyticus, were designed and incorporated into a PCR-based assay. The assay was able to specifically detect all of the 191 V. parahaemolyticus strains tested, but did not result in amplification of 39 other Vibrio spp. and non-Vibrio spp. strains tested. The detection limit of the assay was 10 CFU of V. parahaemolyticus RIMD2210633 from pure culture broth. The β-lactamase (VPA0477) gene-based assay developed in this study was sensitive and specific, and has great potential for the accurate detection and identification of V. parahaemolyticus in seawater or seafood samples.