Rapid and simple method for detection of Yersinia ruckeri, the causal agent of enteric redmouth disease

Availability of known selective-differential culture media and PCR methods for the detection of Yersinia ruckeri, the causal agent of enteric redmouth disease, was investigated. The attempted three selective-differential culture media had some difficulties in the selective growth of Y. ruckeri and the differentiation of the bacterium from other fish-pathogenic bacteria. Three PCR methods targeting 16S rDNA were evaluated to be effective in sensitivity and specificity for the detection of Y. ruckeri. The rapid and accurate diagnosis of redmouth disease will be performed by PCR following Gram stain and cytochrome-oxidase test.