PCR Methods for Detection of Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (Loccalized Adherence) and Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli

A PCR method was developed to detect enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (localized adherence) and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli. A portion of the structural gene (bfpA) encoding bundle-forming pilus (BFP), was amplified by the PCR for the detection of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. It proved to be sensitive and specific in detecting enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. For the detection of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, a portion of aggR (a transcriptional activator of aggA coding a major fimbrial subunit) was amplified. Although few strains showing non-aggregative adherence gave positive result, the PCR method was shown to have greater sensitivity than the probe assay in detecting enteroaggregative Escherichia coli.