Abstract: A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) assay was developed and validated for simultaneous detection of Staphylococcus carnosus, S. xylosus, S. saprophyticus, S. epidermidis, S. equorum and S. sciuri, which are commonly found in fermented meat products. In this study, six pairs of species-specific primers were designed targeting the gap, rpoB, SodA and SNc genes, and the PCR reaction system was optimized. The results showed that The sensitivity of the mPCR system was 4 pg for bacterial genomic DNA and 2 × 102 CFU for living cultures. Meanwhile, eight Staphylococcus strains from traditional fermented meat products were consistently identified by this mPCR assay and 16S rDNA sequence and biochemical analysis. This mPCR method was species-specific and effective, and could be used in the rapid and accurate identification of S. carnosus, S. xylosus, S. epidermidis, S. equorum, S. sciuri and S. saprophyticus. Thus, it has great application prospects.

Key words: multiplex PCR, Staphylococcus, fermented meat products, rapid identification