Comparison of PCR-Ribotyping, Arbitrarily Primed PCR, and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis for Typing Clostridium difficile

摘要: Clostridium difficile is now recognized as the major agent responsible for nosocomial diarrhea in adults. Among genotyping methods available, arbitrarily primed PCR (AP-PCR), PCR-ribotyping, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) have been widely used investigating outbreaks of C. infections. However, comparative typing ability, reproducibility, discriminatory power, efficiency these not fully investigated. We compared results three methods—AP-PCR with different primers (AP3, AP4, AP5), PFGE (with SmaI endonuclease)—to differentiate 99 strains that had previously serogrouped. Typing abilities were 100% PCR-ribotyping AP-PCR AP3 90% PFGE, due to early DNA degradation from serogroup G. Reproducibilities but only 88% AP3, 67% 33% AP5. Discriminatory power unrelated was >0.95 all lower among serogroups D PCR-based easier quicker perform, their fingerprints more difficult interpret than those PFGE. conclude offers best combination advantages an initial tool difficile.