Design of Two Multiplex PCR Assays for Serotyping Shigella flexneri.

Shigella flexneri is a major health problem in developing countries. There are 19 serotypes recognized based on O-antigen structure and its typing is important for epidemiological purposes. However, the diversity of serotypes and the difficulties presented by phenotypic serotyping, for example, unavailable antisera for less common antigens, require the implementation of molecular techniques.

AA479 antiserum: new reagent for the serotype characterization of atypical variants of Shigella flexneri.

Shigella flexneri is divided into 13 serotypes based on the combination of antigenic determinants present in the O-antigen. A new O-antigen modification with phosphoethanolamine has been identified. The presence of this antigenic determinant (called E1037) is recognized by monoclonal antibody MASF IV-1.