Aim: To establish a simple multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that will identify Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio vulnificus.
Methods and results: A total of 429 Vibrio spp. from various origins were tested with the novel primers targeting toxR. The reverse primers were all designed to be species specific, while the forward primer was universal. The primers correctly identified all the V. parahaemolyticus, V. cholerae and V. vulnificus isolates tested.
Conclusions: The toxR multiplex PCR works well when the initial colony morphology is known. If not, Vibrio alginolyticus might represent a diagnostic obstacle.
Significance and impact of the study: The method provides a fast and reliable way of identifying the main Vibrio spp. involved in food-borne disease. The method could prove very useful for laboratories working with identification of these Vibrio spp.