Comparing the ability of luminex xMAP(®) salmonella serotyping assay and traditional serotyping method for serotyping salmonella isolated from southern Chinese population.

Aims To investigate whether the Luminex xMAP® Salmonella Serotyping Assay (xMAP SSA) is applicable to serotype Salmonella from humans in southern China. Methods and Results Two hundred and five Salmonella isolates from diarrhoea patients were serotyped by xMAP SSA in parallel with the traditional serotyping. Forty serotypes were identified among 205 isolates; the most prevalent serotypes identified were Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Stanley, Salmonella I 4,5,12:i:-, and Salmonella Typhimurium. One hundred and ninety-five (95·1%, 195/205) isolates were serotyped completely by xMAP SSA, while 10 stereotypes were partially detected as they were not included in the assay. The xMAP SSA correctly identified 192 (98·5%, 192/195) isolates. Five nonmotile and three monophasic strains, which possessed flagellar antigen genes that weren't expressed, were completely serotyped by xMAP SSA; however, these isolates were left undetected by the traditional method. Conclusion The xMAP SSA used in the study is a microsphere-based, molecular assay that could rapidly and accurately serotype Salmonella. It is suitable to identify the serovars of Salmonella in southern China. Significance and Impact of the Study The xMAP SSA, with high-throughput characteristics, provides an accurate and rapid serotyping system that dramatically strengthens the capability of clinical and public health laboratories for Salmonella serotyping.