Work

Evaluation of the Application of PCR and MALDI-TOF MS Methods for the Identification of Pasteurella multocida Strains Isolated from Rabbits in Poland

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Pasteurella multocida is a pathogen of numerous mammal and bird species. Based on capsular antigens, five capsular types of P. multocida (A, B, D, E, and F) are distinguished. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of multiplex PCR and MALDI-TOF MS for the identification and capsular typing of P. multocida strains isolated from rabbits. A total of 115 field strains previously classified as P. multocida, isolated in Poland between 1999 and 2020, were analysed. Multiplex PCR was applied for simultaneous species identification and determination of capsular types. Most strains belonged to capsular type A (87.8%), while capsular types D (8.7%) and F (3.5%) were detected less frequently. The examined strains were subsequently identified by MALDI-TOF MS, which correctly assigned all strains to the species P. multocida. The results demonstrate that multiplex PCR is a rapid and reliable alternative to conventional species identification and serological capsular typing of P. multocida. In addition, MALDI-TOF MS proved to be a valuable tool for accurate species-level identification. The application of these methods in routine clinical microbiology laboratories may significantly improve the speed and reliability of P. multocida identification.

Source: Pathogens

DOI: 10.3390/pathogens15020171

Authors: Sylwia Budniak, Agnieszka Kędrak-Jabłońska, Krzysztof Szulowski

Institution: National Veterinary Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Bacterial Identification and Susceptibility Testing

Subfield: Clinical Biochemistry

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654