Repetitive and arbitrary primer DNA sequences in PCR-mediated fingerprinting of outbreak and sporadic isolates of Campylobacter jejuni.

PCR-mediated fingerprinting with combined repetitive and arbitrary DNA primers (ERIC-2 and 1026) was used to type Campylobacter jejuni from a milk-associated outbreak, and from sporadic cases of the same and allied HS serotypes. The 14 outbreak strains had identical or similar DNA band profiles whereas the 25 strains from sporadic infections were more heterogeneous with 18 different DNA profiles. Although PCR-based DNA fingerprints lacked serotype specificity, the method was fast, simple to perform and reproducible, provided defined technical protocols were adhered to precisely. Profiles were highly discriminatory but did not consistently match types based on other molecular methods. We conclude that AP-PCR has demonstrable potential for initial rapid investigation of outbreaks, and when used in conjunction with PFGE analysis of DNA restriction profiles, provides a high resolution strategy for accurately defining subtypes of C. jejuni.