Detection and characterization of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli by automated 5' nuclease PCR assay.

ABSTRACT: In recent years increased attention has been focused on infections caused by isolates of verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) serotypes other than O157. These non-O157 VTEC isolates are commonly present in food and food production animals. Easy detection, isolation, and characterization of non-O157 VTEC isolates are essential for improving our knowledge of these organisms. In the present study, we detected VTEC isolates in bovine fecal samples by a duplex 5' nuclease PCR assay (real-time PCR) that targets vtx1 and vtx2. VTEC isolates were obtained by colony replication by use of hydrophobic-grid membrane filters and DNA probe hybridization. Furthermore, we have developed 5' nuclease PCR assays for the detection of virulence factors typically present in VTEC isolates, including s

SUBMITTER: Nielsen EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC165313 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature