Rapid Identification of Biothreat and Other Clinically Relevant Bacterial Species by Use of Universal PCR Coupled with High-Resolution Melting Analysis

A rapid assay for eubacterial species identification is described using high-resolution melt analysis to characterize PCR products. Unique melt profiles generated from multiple hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene for 100 clinically relevant bacterial pathogens, including category A and B biothreat agents and their surrogates, allowed highly specific species identification.