Detection of OmpA gene by PCR for specific detection of Salmonella serovars

Aim: The study was carried out to determine the sensitivity and specificity of OmpA gene in Salmonella serovars through PCR. Materials and Methods: A set of primers were designed targeting the OmpA gene specific for the Salmonella and polymerase chain reaction was standardized using Salomonella Typhimurium as a positive control and as a negative control 4 non salmonella cultures such as Campylobacter coli, Arcobacter butzleri, Brucella abortus and E. coli. Sensitivity of the test was determined by serial dilution of genomic DNA of standard S. Typhimurium. The PCR standardized was used for screening 68 strains of different serovars of Salmonella. Results: The PCR developed targeting OmpA specific for Salmonella was highly specific in detection of the salmonella serovar alone and sensitivity was upto 68.8 fg. A total of 68 virulent/ natural strains of different serovars of salmonella taken up for the study were positive by OmpA based PCR. Conclusions: This study reports that, OmpA gene which is conserved among Salmonella serovars can be used for the detection of Salmonella in food or clinical samples in further studies, with high sensitivity and specificity. Key words: OmpA, PCR, Salmonella