Development of a multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection of Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica and Trueperella pyogenes

Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica and Trueperella pyogenes are three bacterial pathogens closely associated with the bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC). In the current study, a multiplex PCR for the simultaneous detection of these three bacteria in cultures was established. After serial optimisation, the detection limit of the method for the genomic DNA of the three bacteria was 40 pg/μl. The method could detect the genomic DNA of these three bacteria but not the genomic DNA of seven other bacterial strains. Together with the bacterial enrichment technology, the multiplex PCR could be used for detecting the three bacteria in animal tissues. This method might be valuable for speeding up laboratory diagnosis and directing the treatment of BRDC to these three bacterial pathogens.