A PCR Specific for <i>Escherichia coli</i> O157 Based on the <i>rfb</i> Locus Encoding O157 Lipopolysaccharide

Abstract

A PCR was developed for the detection of Escherichia coli O157 based on the rfbE O-antigen synthesis genes. A 479-bp PCR product was amplified specifically from E. coli O157 in cell lysates containing 200 or 2 CFU following crude DNA extraction. The PCR detected < 1 CFU of E. coli O157 per ml in raw milk following enrichment.