POLYNUCLEOTIDE PROBE, METHOD AND KIT FOR THE IDENTIFICATION AND DETECTION OF GRAM-NEGATIVE BACTERIA

摘要

A polynucleotide probe (DNA or RNA) is provided, which probe recognizes a genus or species of Gram-negative bacteria, in particular an Enterobacteriaceae genus or species. The probe corresponds to a relatively short fragment of an outer membrane protein of the bacterium and is highly specific (exclusive and inclusive) for the genus or species under investigation. The probe or a combination of probes directed to different genera or species is used in a method for monitoring bacterial contamination, e.g. in foodstuffs or biological fluids, and can be provided as a diagnostic kit.