Rapid Detection of Streptococcus suis Type 2 by PCR

A PCR for rapid and specific detection of Streptococcus suis type 2 was developed. The primers based on the cps2J-gene of S.suis type 2 could extend a 675 bp PCR product. Of 9 strains of S.suis type 2 isolated from diseased pigs, all were positive by the PCR. Using the same pairs, no PCR product was detected from S.equi subsp zooepidemicus, Staphylococcus hyicus, E.rhusiopathiae, P.pneumotropica and M.hyopneumoniae. Of 88 porcine tonsillar specimens, 36 was positive by the PCR or glass agglutination test. The corresponding rate was 100%. The results demonstrated that the PCR is a highly specific and rapid diagnostic tool for detection of S.suis type 2 and can be used to fast diagnosis and epidemic survey.