Molecular diagnosis of Shigella, Salmonella and Campylobacter by multiplex Real-time PCR in stool culture samples in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Background: Bacteriological diagnosis of Campylobacter spp, Salmonella spp and  Shigella spp could be necessary in case of infectious gastroenteritis syndrome. The objective of this study was to diagnose concomitantly the three enteropathogenic bacteria by multiplex Real-Time PCR in stool culture samples in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from February 5 th to March 9 th , 2013. Two hundred stool samples were received during the study period. The bacteria were identified by bacterial culture following by multiplex Real-Time PCR. Results: Shigella spp and Campylobacter spp were sought by culture in all 200 samples. Enteropathogenic E. coli was sought only in 37 samples from all children under 2 years old. The bacterial culture was positive in 12 stool samples. Shigella spp and Salmonella spp. were isolated respectively in 5 (2.5%) and 3 samples (1.5%). Enteropathogenic E. coli was isolated in 10.8% (4/37) of the samples tested. The multiplex real-time PCR identified bacteria in 20 patients, including 17 cases of Shigella spp., 1 case of Salmonella spp. and 2 cases of Campylobacter spp. Conclusions: This study has highlighted the low frequency of 3 sought bacterial genera in stool samples. It has also demonstrated a significant difference between the culture and the multiplex Real-Time PCR method in the diagnosis of Shigella . Keywords: Stool culture; Real-time PCR; Shigella spp.; Salmonella . spp. ; Campylobacter spp . Burkina Faso