Multiplex PCR for detection of antibiotic resistance genes and the SXT element: application in the characterization of Vibrio cholerae.

This study describes a multiplex PCR assay for the detection of antibiotic resistance genes and the SXT element in Vibrio cholerae. Conditions were optimized to amplify fragments of sulII (encoding sulfamethoxazole resistance), dfrA1 (O1-specific trimethoprim resistance), dfr18 (O139-specific trimethoprim resistance), strB (streptomycin B resistance) and the SXT element simultaneously in one PCR. This multiplex PCR was evaluated on 142 V. cholerae isolates and the results correlated with the phenotypic antibiotic data obtained using a disc diffusion assay and a colony blot assay. Thus this one-step PCR can be used as a simple, rapid and accurate method for identification of antibiotic resistance profiles and could be used for the surveillance of the spread of antibiotic resistance determinants in epidemiological and environmental studies.