Detection of pas gene in shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC)

Results of detection of the pas gene in 10 shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli strains (STEC) isolated from foods (raw milk, certified milk, and bee f) and in 18 enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli strains (EHEC) isolated fr om stool samples of patients suffering from HUS, diarrhea or from carriers without symptoms are given. All isolates showed the eae gene coding for int imin. Mie could make sure by using PCR that all isolates showed the pus gen e, too. This gene is a factor mainly responsible for proteinsecretion and f or the attacing and effacing phenomenon. A correlation of pas to other viru lence factors was not given. The detection of the pus gene makes further ch aracterization of STEC/EHEC-Isolates possible.