Sequence Analysis of the rfb Loci, Encoding Proteins Involved in the Biosynthesis of the Salmonella enterica O17 and O18 Antigens: Serogroup-Specific Identification by PCR

We report sequencing of the O antigen encoded by the rfb gene cluster of Salmonella enterica serotype Jangwani (O17) and Salmonella serotype Cerro (O18). We developed serogroup O17- and O18-specific PCR assays based on rfb gene targets and found them to be sensitive and specific for rapid identification of Salmonella serogroups O17 and O18.