Development and validation of high-resolution melting assays for the detection of potentially virulent strains of Escherichia coli O103 and O121

Virulent strains of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups O103 and O121 are considered adulterants in beef. Two high-resolution melting (HRM) real-time PCR assays were standardized for the specific detection discrimination potentially virulent avirulent E. O121. The HRM assay offered possibility to distinguish clearly STEC O103:H2 from O103:H25. two extensively validated using 215 pure culture strains, laboratory inoculated food samples, naturally contaminated beef (n = 84) pork enrichments collected red meat surveillance program. Both showed 100% inclusivity exclusivity enriched spiked samples. Data this study shows ability specifically detect each target serogroup and, most importantly, differentiate present into or groups. can be helpful programs help mitigate product loss due presence lacking crucial virulence genes (stx eae).