Specific detection of Pasteurella multocida type B:2 by  polymerase chain reaction (PCR), using a set of DNA primers  wasoptimised. Effects of the addition of ethylene diamine tetra acetic  acid (EDTA) to the sample preparation, Escherichia coli contamination and the number of P. multocida on the PCR product was assessed. The PCR test was compared to the standard bacteriological method for the detection of P. multocida B:2  in tonsillar swab samples collected from slaughter houses of various  regions in Indonesia. Addition of 100 mM EDTA-saline to P. multocida B:2 spiked  tonsillar swab samples inhibits the production 350 base pairs (bp) PCR  product. The inhibitory effect of the EDT A can be eliminated by three  times washing with deionised water. The PCR can detect P. multocida as low as I organism and contanimation of 100 CFU of E. coli does not effect the PCR result. The results show that the DNA primers for P. multocida B:2 is sensitive and specific. The inhibitory effect of EDTA in PCR samples can be eliminated by washings. Keywords: PCR, EDT A, Pasteurella multocida B:2
                        
                        
                        
                        
                            
                                Copyrights © 2001