Application of multiplex PCR for the evaluation of the occurrence of ail, ystA, and ystB genes in Yersinia enterocolitica strains isolated from wild boars (Sus scrofa)

The study aimed at the evaluation of the occurrence of genes directly connected with pathogenicity in Yersinia enterocolitica (Y. enterocolitica) strains isolated from wild boars, obtained in the 2007/2008 hunting season in the North-East territory of Poland. Multiplex PCR, used for αil, ystA, and ystB gene detection, was optimised in order to determine the existence of the genes in one reaction. Forty-six palatine tonsils, gained from 46 wild boars of various ages, were preliminary examined from the bacteriological, sero- and biotyping points of view; then bacterial DNA was isolated and multiplex PCR was performed. The presence of the product of volume corresponding to the ystB gene fragment was found in two cases, which constituted 4.35% of the examined samples. The ail and ystA genes were not detected in any of the tested samples. The molecularly confirmed existence of Y. enterocolitica in wild boar palatine tonsils, indicates the carrier state and possibly shedding of the microorganism into the environment, and suggests that wild boars, likewise pigs to a lesser extent, may constitute a reservoir of the bacteria and a potential source of infection for the man.