Application of a duplex PCR approach for the specific and simultaneous detection of Bifidobacterium spp. and lactobacillus spp. in duodenum, jejunum, ileum and cecum of broilers

Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp genera are useful and important microbiota which affect poultry performance. These bacteria are natural inhabitants of the intestine of broilers. These bacteria have a unique hexose metabolism that occurs via the phosphoketolase pathway. Bifidobacterium spp. produces the vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, nicotinic acid and folic acid. Enzymatic hydrolysis by Bifidobacterium spp. increases bioaccessibility of lipids and proteins. Lactobacillus spp. exhibit properties which include the ability to adhere to cells, persist and multiply and produce acids, hydrogen peroxide and bacteriocidal and bacteriostatic agents. The ability of Lactobacillus to inhibit bacterial pathogens including E. coli and Salmonella species and to influence parasitic infection including Cryptosporidium parvum, Eimeria acervulina, and Giardia intestinalis (Seidavi et al. 2008). The aim of this study was to develop a method for the direct and simultaneous detection of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp.in the intestine by multiplex PCR.