Protocol for detection and typing of Serratia marcescens using a qPCR-based technique without cultivation or sequencing

High-resolution melting (HRM) qPCR is a molecular biology technique for quantifying DNA targets and discriminating them on the basis of their sequences. Hypervariable-locus melting typing (HLMT) exploits HRM for bacterial typing by targeting variable genetic loci. Here, we present an HLMT protocol for detecting Serratia marcescens clones directly from biological samples without cultivation. We describe steps for DNA extraction, endpoint PCR, and HRM qPCR. We then detail procedures for data analysis and interpretation. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Alvaro et al.1.