DIRECT-DETECTION BY PCR OF ESCHERICHIA-COLI O157 AND ENTEROPATHOGENS IN PATIENTS WITH BLOODY DIARRHEA

Direct detection of Escherichia coli O157 and foodborne pathogens asso ciated with bloody diarrhea were achieved using polymerase chain react ion (PCR) after the preparation of DNA from stool specimens using the microspin technique. PCR was compared with cultivation and toxin produ ction tests with respect to the efficiency of detection of each pathog en; E. coli O157, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Salmonella serovar Enteriti dis and Campylobacter jejuni. Detection of some or all of the above pa thogens in clinical stool specimens was achieved using PCR. The minimu m number of cells required for the detection of the above pathogens by PCR was 10(1) CFUs/0.5 g of stool sample. PCR was completed within 6 hr. The above pathogens were also detected in cultivation and toxin pr oduction tests. Partial purification of the template DNA using the mic rospin technique was essential for the elimination of PCR inhibitors f rom the DNA samples. This PCR method is an accurate, easy-to-read scre ening method for the detection of Shiga-like toxin producing E. coli O 157 and enteropathogens associated with bloody diarrhea in stool speci mens.