A set of novel multiplex Taqman real-time PCRs for the detection of diarrhoeagenic <it>Escherichia coli </it>and its use in determining the prevalence of EPEC and EAEC in a university hospital

• Main Authors: Würthner Jens, Pfeffer Klaus, Henrich Birgit, Messler Sabine, Hardegen Christoph, MacKenzie Colin R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2010-01-01
• Series: Annals of Clinical Microbiology and Antimicrobials
• Online Access: http://www.ann-clinmicrob.com/content/9/1/5

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Accurate measurement of the incidence of diarrhoeagenic <it>E. coli </it>in patients with diarrhoea is hindered by the current methods of detection and varies from country to country. In order to improve the diagnosis of diarrhoeagenic <it>E. coli </it>(DEC), we developed a set of multiplex TaqMan real-time PCRs designed to detect the respective pathogens from an overnight stool culture.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Over the period Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2006 all stool specimens (n = 1981) received were investigated for EPEC and EAEC.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of these, 371 specimens had no growth of <it>Enterobacteriaceae</it>. Of the remaining 1610 specimens 144 (8,9%) were positive for EPEC and 78 (4,8%) positive for EAEC. Among the EPEC positive stool specimens 28 (19,4%) were received from the tropical diseases unit, 49 (34%) from the paediatric dept. and 67 (46,5%) from the remainder of the wards. The EAEC were distributed as follows: 39 (50%) - tropical diseases, 19 (24,4%) -paediatrics and 20 (25,6%) other wards. Proportionately more EAEC and EPEC were found in children less than 3 years of age than other age groups. In only 22,2% of the detected EPEC and 23% of EAEC was the investigation requested by hospital staff.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>This is, to our knowledge, the first study using a multiplex TaqMan PCR for the successful detection of diarrhoeagenic <it>E. coli</it>. In conclusion, due to the high prevalence of DEC detected, investigation of EPEC and EAEC should be recommended as a routine diagnostic test for patients with infectious diarrhoea.</p>