Molecular Characterization of Pasteurella multocida Isolated from Rabbit in Egypt

Objective: The study aimed to molecular characterization of Pasteurella multocida local strain using Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC), 13 virulence genes and the outer membrane protein (OmpH) gene. Also, development of diagnostic markers by multiplex PCR from investigated genes. Methodology: The ERIC-PCR was used for the detection of the finger print of Pasteurella multocida local strain isolated from rabbits. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with specific primers of the virulence genes and OmpH gene was used for molecular characterization of Pasteurella multocida local strain. The multiplex-PCR protocol was used to develop diagnostic genes markers. Results: Pasteurella multocida ERIC pattern was identified as seven DNA bands ranging from less than 100-850 bp. The results determined the molecular sizes of toxA, pfhA, soda, nanB, nanH, fimA, hsf-1, hsf-2, hgbA, hgbB, ptfA, oma87, tbpA and OmpH genes. Four multiplex-PCR were configured from investigated genes. Multiplex 1 amplified both of hgbB and oma87 genes. Multiplex 2 included fimA and ptfA genes. Multiplex 3 used nanB and hgbB genes. Multiplex 4 amplified nanB and ptfA genes. Conclusion: Molecular characterization of P. multocida local strain using Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC), 13 virulence genes and the outer membrane protein (OmpH) gene provided data information that could be used as diagnostic tool, epidemiological markers and in vaccine development.