EN
A multiplex PCR was developed to identify E.coli O157 serogroup among other pathogenic and non-pathogenic E.coli serotypes as well as to differentiate them from other Gram-negative bacteria. This multiplex PCR, amplifying genes encoding the universal stress protein (uspA) and the O157 antigen-encoding operon (rfb) of E.coli, allowed a simultaneous identification of the 884 bp and 420 bp amplicons, respectively, in all O157-positive E.coli whereas no amplification products were detected in non-E.coli bacteria. The test will be useful for the rapid and specific identification of E.coli O157 bacteria responsible for human and animal diarrheal and systemic disorders.