PCRmax Serratia marcescens Instruction Manual

Porin (ompC) gene

Serratia marcescens

PCRmax Ltd qPCR test

TM

150 tests

For general laboratory and research use only

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Serratia marcescens is a species of Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is a
facultative anaerobe. S. marcescens is involved in nosocomial infections, particularly
catheter-associated bacteremia, urinary tract infections and wound infections as well as
respiratory tract infections of hospitalized adults and gastrointestinal system of children.
The genome consists of a single circular chromosome 5.1Mb in size with a GC content of
59%. Serratia marcescens is motile and travels by several different means. A single
Serratia marcescens bacterium can swim with the use of its flagellum. As a group they can
swarm together on agar of lower concentrations (0 .5-0.8%). The swarmer cells can range
in length from 5-30 µm and they are highly flagellated and nonseptated. Serratia
marcescens have about 100 – 1000 flagella per swimmer cell.

Serratia marcescens is commonly found in soil, water, plants and animals. Although S.
marcescens is a pathogenic microorganism, it is only so with immunocompromised
individuals such as those found in hospitals where many of the documented infections take
place. The mode of transmission of this microorganism is by either direct contact,or by
catheters, droplets, saline irrigation solutions, and other solutions that are believed to be
sterile. Serratia infects the bloodstream, lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, surgical
wounds, and skin and soft tissues in adult patients. Outbreaks of S. marcescens
meningitis, wound infections, and arthritis have occurred in pediatric wards. A
lipopolysaccharides (LPS) layer is attached to the outer membrane of the Gram negative
bateria. The LPS acts as an endotoxin. The release of LPS would over-stimulate the host
defenses and cause them to undergo lethal endotoxic shock . The presence of LPS
therefore makes it difficult to kill Serratia marcescens without causing the death of the
host’s cells. The ability of the pathogen to form a biofilm also makes treatment difficult.

Normally, Serratia marcescens causes generic infections in wound sites, as well as the
urinary tract, respiratory system and eyes. For a urinary tract infection, the symptoms
might include itching, burning discharge, and pain in the kidneys. Symptoms of respiratory
infection include sore throat and nasal and chest congestion. At its most severe, Serratia
marcescens can cause pneumonia, meningitis, arthritis and other serious illnesses.

Introduction to Serratia marcescens

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MIN

MAX

The PCR Max qPCR Kit for Serratia marcescens (S.marcescens) genomes is designed for
the in vitro quantification of S.marcescens genomes. The kit is designed to have the
broadest detection profile possible whilst remaining specific to the S.marcescens genome.

The primers and probe sequences in this kit have 100% homology with a broad range of
S.marcescens sequences based on a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis.

If you require further information, or have a specific question about the detection profile of
this kit then please send an e.mail to [e-mail] and our bioinformatics team will
answer your question.

Specificity

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Kit Contents

• S.marcescens specific primer/probe mix (150 reactions BROWN)

FAM labelled

• S.marcescens positive control template (for Standard curve RED)

• Internal extraction control primer/probe mix (150 reactions BROWN)

VIC labelled as standard

• Internal extraction control DNA (150 reactions BLUE)

• Endogenous control primer/probe mix (150 reactions BROWN)

FAM labelled

• RNAse/DNAse free water (WHITE)

for resuspension of primer/probe mixes and internal extraction control DNA

• Template preparation buffer (YELLOW)

for resuspension of positive control template and standard curve preparation

Reagents and equipment to be supplied by the user

Real-Time PCR Instrument

DNA extraction kit

This kit designed to work well with all processes that yield high quality DNA with minimal
PCR inhibitors.

Lyophilised 2x qPCR Mastermix

This kit is designed to be compatible with all commercially available Mastermixes that run
with standard cycling conditions.

Pipettors and Tips

Vortex and centrifuge

Thin walled 1.5 ml PCR reaction tubes

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