Diagnostic multiplex PCR assay for the identification of the Liverpool, Midlands 1 and Manchester CF epidemic strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Individual PCR amplification tests have been developed for three UK CF epidemic strains, the Liverpool epidemic strain (LES), Midlands 1 and the Manchester epidemic strain (MES). We report a simple diagnostic multiplex PCR test that can be used to screen for all three of these strains. To evaluate the test, we screened collections of LES, MES and Midlands 1 isolates, along with various CF and non-CF non-epidemic Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. The test was 100% sensitive and 100% specific in the identification of these UK CF epidemic strains.