Direct PCR detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7.

AIMS This paper reports a simple, rapid approach for the detection of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). METHODS AND RESULTS Direct PCR (DPCR) obviates the need for the recovery of cells from the sample or DNA extraction prior to PCR. Primers specific for Stx-encoding genes stx1 and stx2 were used in DPCR for the detection of E. coli O157:H7 added to environmental water samples and milk. CONCLUSIONS PCR reactions containing one cell yielded a DPCR product. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This should provide an improved method to assess contamination of environmental and other samples by STEC and other pathogens.