Detection of the tdh and trh Genes in Vibrio parahaemolyticus Isolates in Fish and Mussels from Middle Black Sea Coast of Turkey

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the occurrence of potential pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus in seafoods using DNA-based techniques in comparison with bacteriological methods. Methods and Results: From 120 fresh and processed fish and mussel samples collected from Middle Black Sea, 32 isolates were identified as V. parahaemolyticus by bacteriological methods and confirmed by tl gene-based conventional PCR. Of them, 13 isolates were found positive for only tdh gene, six isolates for only trh gene and 13 isolates for both genes by multiplex PCR. Conclusions: It is the first report demonstrating the presence of potential pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus isolates from the Black Sea seafoods by PCR detection of tl, trh and tdh genes that was found more rapid than bacteriological methods. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study confirmed the previous reports that characterization of potential pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus isolates based on the PCR techniques was reliable and cost-effective. These results suggest that molecular detection methods should be included in Turkish Standards of seafood control in addition to bacteriological methods. © 2009 No claim to Turkish government works. © 2009 The Society for Applied Microbiology.