Electromigration techniques – a fast and economical tool for differentiation of similar strains of microorganisms

The detection and identification of pathogens currently relies upon a very diverse range of techniques and skills, from traditional cultivation and taxonomic procedures to modern rapid and sensitive diagnostic methods. Real-time PCR is now exploited as a front line diagnostic screening tool in human, animal and plant health as well as bio-security. Nevertheless, new techniques for pathogen identification, particularly of unknown samples, are needed. In this study we propose the combination of electrophoresis-based procedures for the fast differentiation of microorganisms. The method feasibility is proved on the model of seven similar strains of Pseudomonas syringae pathovars from 37 sources, identified by gas chromatography of fatty acid methyl esters. The results from the routine laboratory were compared with results of the combination of the developed capillary and gel electrophoresis as well as mass spectrometry. According to our experiments appropriate combination of electromigration techniques appears to be useful for the fast and economical differentiation of unknown microorganisms.