Molecular characterization of the capsular antigens of isolates using multiplex PCR.

The use of molecular techniques for detection and characterization of the is very important for rapid and specific detection and characterization of the organism. During the period from 15th February, 2014 to 15th April, 2015, 425 nasopharyngeal swabs and 175 lung and spleen samples were collected and examined by conventional methods, 80 strains (18.82%) of were isolated from the calves, sheep and goat with respiratory manifestation. Meanwhile, 77 strains (44%) were isolated from emergency slaughtered animals. All the recovered strains were positive for specific PCR for detection of strains previously identified as by standard microbiological techniques. Multiplex PCR for molecular typing of the capsular antigens of the recovered revealed positive amplification of 1044 bp fragments specific to the capsular antigen type A with 105 strains (66.88%), and amplification 511 bp fragments of the capsular antigen type E with 52 strain (33.12%) and absence of B, D and F antigens. Multiplex PCR for molecular typing of the capsular antigens of can be used as a simple, sensitive, rapid, reliable technique instead of the serological techniques for identification of the capsular antigens of .