Rapid and sensitive detection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli directly from stool samples by real-time PCR in comparison to culture, enzyme immunoassay and Vero cell cytotoxicity assay.

Abstract

The direct fecal stx real-time PCR proved superior to enrichment based VCA and EIA and can be recommended as a quick and sensitive tool for the early diagnosis of STEC infection in addition to microbiological culture.