Simple and rapid multiplex PCR for identification of the main human diarrheagenic Escherichia coli

Establishment of a simple and rapid multiplex PCR system for identification of the main diarrheagenic E. coli categories, including enteroaggregative E. coli, enterotoxigenic E. coli, enteropathogenic E. coli, and enterohemorrhagic E. coli, is described. This two-step multiplex PCR system allows the identification by targeting CVD432, LT, STh, STp, Eae, Bfp, Stx1, and Stx2. By applying the developed multiplex PCR system, categorization of E. coli isolates isolated from stool samples of infants with diarrhea into the main diarrheagenic E. coli categories is also shown.