Molecular confirmation and detection of virulence genes of Streptococcus suis from Pigs in Assam

Abstract

The study was designed to determine the prevalence as well as virulence genes of Streptococcus suis in pigs maintained in organized and unorganized farming systems in and around Guwahati, Assam. A total of 497 samples were collected from clinically healthy (n=267) and diseased (n=230) pigs of varying age and either sex. Samples were processed for isolation of S. suis and their identification based on biochemical characteristics and further confirmation through PCR amplification of the housekeeping gene gdh (glutamate dehydrogenase) encoding S. suis capsular biosynthesis. Important virulence genes of S. suis namely, epf, mrp, sly, and arc A were detected by using multiplex PCR. All together seven isolates were confirmed as S. suis. But none of the investigated virulence genes could be demonstrated in the present study.