Validation of Five-Colony Pool Analysis Using Multiplex Real-Time PCR for Detection of Diarrheagenic <i>Escherichia coli</i>

Abstract

Five Escherichia coli colonies/patient were studied to evaluate the reliability of a multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli groups, using a pool of five colonies rather than individual colonies. Sensitivity and specificity were 98% and 100%, respectively, at a fifth of the cost of the individual colony analysis.