A novel multiplex PCR method for Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin type A gene cluster typing

Abstract

A rapid, simple and sensitive multiplex PCR method for boNT/A gene cluster typing was developed by combining the results of BoNT/A subtype (boNT/A1 or /A2) gene detection with ha33 and/or p47 gene detection. Ten isolates associated with infant botulism in Japan were examined and divided into boNT/A gene cluster types 2 and 3 by origin (honey feeding or not) and period (1986-1987 or 1999-2007). It is suggested that this multiplex PCR method will be be useful for epidemiological studies of botulism. © 2010 The Societies and Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.