DNA sequence of the Escherichia coli O103 O antigen gene cluster and detection of enterohemorrhagic E. coli O103 by PCR amplification of the wzx and wzy genes

Escherichia coli serogroup O103 has been associated with gastrointestinal illness and hemolytic uremic syndrome. To develop PCR-based methods for detection and identification of this serogroup, the DNA sequence of the 12 033-bp region containing the O antigen gene cluster of Escherichia coli O103 was determined. Of the 12 open reading frames identified, the E. coli O103 wzx (O antigen flippase) and wzy (O antigen polymerase) genes were selected as targets for development of both conventional and real-time PCR assays specific for this serogroup. In addition, a multiplex PCR targeting the Shiga toxin (Stx) 1 (stx₁), Shiga toxin 2 (stx₂), wzx, and wzy genes was developed to differentiate Stx-producing E. coli O103 from non-toxigenic strains. The PCR assays can be employed to identify E. coli serogroup O103, replacing antigen-based serotyping, and to potentially detect the organism in food, fecal, or environmental samples.