Identification of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli seropathotypes A and B by multiplex PCR

A multiplex PCR assay was developed to identify the six clinically important enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) serotypes classified in seropathotypes A and B and to differentiate these from Shiga toxigenic E. coli. The assay simultaneously detects genes for Shiga toxin (stx) and intimin (eae), including allelic variants of both genes, 16S internal amplification control, as well as unique sequences in the wzx genes that are specific for serotypes O157, O26, O111, O103, O121 and O145. PCR analysis of 40 representative strains showed that the assay correctly identified the virulence genes, if present, and the respective O antigen type of all the strains, including some atypical EHEC, as well as enteropathogenic E. coli and E. coli strains examined.