Abstract

To detect Yersinia pestis in the foci surveillance rapidly and specially, we developed a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with an internal control technique. The specific segments of Yesinia pestis were co-amplified by PCR directly from the hosts’ organ samples with an internal control to prevent false negative results that might be caused by PCR inhibitors. Comparing the PCR results with that of the bacteria culture, the positive detection rate of PCR method was higher and it was more rapid. So, it is a useful method for the detection of Yesinia pestis in the plague foci surveillance.

Key words: multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), internal control,Yersinia pestis.