Identification of new flagellin-encoding fliC genes in Escherichia coli isolated from domestic animals using RFLP-PCR and sequencing methods

Moura C., Tiba M.R., Silva M.J. & Leite D.S. 2013. Identification of new fla - gellin-encoding fliC genes in Escherichia coli isolated from domestic animals using RFLP-PCR and sequencing methods. Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 33(4):417-422. Uni-versidade Paulista, Av. Armando Giassetti 577, Vila Hortolândia, Trevo Itu/Itatiba, Jundiai, SP 13214-525, Brazil. E-mail: cmoura.bio@gmail.comIdentification of Escherichia coli requires knowledge regarding the prevalent serotypes and virulence factors profiles allows the classification in pathogenic/non-pathogenic. Ho-wever, some of these bacteria do not express flagellar antigen in vitro . In this case the PCR--restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP-PCR) and sequencing of the fliC may be suitable for the identification of antigens by replacing the traditional serology. We studied 17 samples of E. coli isolated from animals and presenting antigen H nontypeable (HNT). The H antigens were characterized by PCR-RFLP and sequencing of fliC gene. Three new flagellin genes were identified, for which specific antisera were obtained. The PCR-RFLP was shown to be faster than the serotyping H antigen in