PCR-Based Identification of Bacillus thuringiensis Isolated from Soil Samples in Nigeria

Six isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis isolated from soil samples confirmed to be toxic to mosquito larvae were differentiated using a PCR-Based technique. Three of these isolates initially identified using a serological technique were further differentiated with the PCR amplification of the δ-endotoxin target sequences. Using the total DNA of isolates as tem plate, at least four isolates yielded amplicons one or all the crystal protein genes, cryl a, b, c, or II with sizes ranging from 238-1070 bp. None of these isolates yielded an amplicon for any of Cry IV A, B and D tested. Of the four isolates identified by PCR technique one isolate remained unidentified by serology.