Polymerase chain reaction to confirm biochemically characterization method of Pasteurella multocida isolate from fatal cases of Septicaemia epizootica in Nusa Tenggara Timur

Abstract Septicemia epizootica (SE) is a common fatal systemic disease in cattle and buffalo due to Pasteurella multocida serotype B:2 in South and Southeast Asia countries, including Indonesia. This infectious agent is generally considered an opportunistic pathogen and located in the nasopharynx of the animal. To support the disease’s diagnosis, an acceptable identification procedure must be established. This study was to confirm bovine P. multocida isolate that has been identified through biochemical approaches at the first step, with the Polymerase Chain Reaction method. The isolate was obtained from the fatal outbreak of cattle in Kupang in 2016 and subjected to be identified using biochemical characterization, but it was time consumed. The API 20NE was applied to identify the isolate and help to save time. The PCR result showed positive for 16 sRNA and kmt genes, both were classified as specific genes, and the capsular serotype was detected in less than 24 hours. It indicates that PCR confirms biochemical technique, and it is an appropriate and faster method in detecting pathogen agents than biochemical one.