Molecular characterization of Pasteurella multocida by REA and RAPD-PCR

Eleven Pasteurella multocida strains of different serotypes were characterized by restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) assay. REA was achieved using I I different restriction endonucleases and out of which Hha I and Hpa II were the most suitable. A unique type of restriction patterns were observed from both the enzymes and Hpa II gives a finer discrimination than Hha I. A unique banding pattern for individual serotypes were also observed by RAPD-PCR assay. Both the techniques gave distinguishable and highly reproducible results. These techniques may be applied as an alternative way for conventional serotyping provided that a complete database for individual serotype should be maintained.