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A General Method to Generate DNA Probes for Microorganisms

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Abstract

We present a method that permits the rapid generation of DNA probes for eu-bacteria. In the procedure the variable regions for the 16s rRNA genes are amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology and primers based on the conserved regions of these genes. Following sequencing of the variable regions, a choice is possible for a probe specific for that organism. No knowledge of the molecular biology of the microorganism is required prior to the application of this approach. The generality of the method is shown using Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Aeromonas salmonicida and Mycobacterium bovis. A. salmonicida was examined in detail and a DNA probe was prepared that distinguishes it from other Aeromonas species.

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Author notes

  1. Frank Gannon: Corresponding author.

Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Diagnostics Centre-BioResearch Ireland, University College Galway, Ireland

    Tom Barry & Frank Gannon

  2. Department of Microbiology, University College Galway, Ireland

    Richard Powell

Authors
  1. Tom Barry
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  2. Richard Powell
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  3. Frank Gannon
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Barry, T., Powell, R. & Gannon, F. A General Method to Generate DNA Probes for Microorganisms. Nat Biotechnol 8, 233–236 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0390-233

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nbt0390-233

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