DETECTION OF SHIGELLA AND ENTEROINVASIVE ESCHERICHIA-COLI USING POLYMERASE CHAIN-REACTION

Two oligonucleotide primers were used in a polymerase chain reaction ( PCR) procedure to amplify a region of the invasive - associated locus (ial) of Shigella and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC). Detectio n of the amplified product can be done by agarose gel electrophoresis, which is specific and sensitive enough for routine diagnosis of these two pathogens. PCR is done using DNA extracted directly from faeces. The procedure can be completed in 7 h. These findings demonstrate a no vel method for rapid, sensitive, specific, and simple diagnosis of dia rrhoea caused by Shigella and EIEC.