Strain DNA was extracted using the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit (50) (QIAGEN) following the manufacturer’s instructions. DNA was eluted in 30 μl of elution buffer. The genes, exotoxin S (exoS), exotoxin U (exoU), exotoxinA (exoA) were amplified using the specific primers as described earlier [41 (link), 42 (link)]. The PCR protocol involved initial denaturation step at 95°C for 10 min, followed by 40 cycles of 94°C for 2 min, annealing (30s at 57 to 65 °C) and 72°C for 1 min and the final extension step at 72°C for 5 min.
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