Development of duplex-PCR for identification of Aeromonas species.

INTRODUCTION The number of reports of intestinal infections caused by Aeromonas spp. has increased significantly in recent years. In most clinical laboratories, identification of these bacteria is carried out by general phenotypic tests that sometimes do not accurately differentiate Aeromonas and Vibrio. METHODS A duplex-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was developed directed to 2 targets identifying Aeromonas spp. pathogenic to humans. RESULTS The duplex-PCR results were reproducible and specific for Aeromonas spp. pathogenic to humans. CONCLUSIONS This method will allow differentiation between Vibrio and Aeromonas spp. in patients with in cholera-like symptoms and can also be used in water quality monitoring.