A multiplex PCR assay for the direct identification of the capsular type (Ia to IX) of Streptococcus agalactiae

A multiplex PCR assay for the identification of serotypes Ia to IX of Streptococcus agalactiae was developed. By using a single PCR reaction containing a mix of 19 primers the assay identified each serotype by the analysis of the unique two or three bands pattern on agarose gel.