Spectrum of diarrhoeagenic in paediatric population suffering from diarrhoea and as commensals in healthy children.

BACKGROUND

Diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) is associated with early death of children in developing countries and are being identified now as an important evolving pathogen. The objective of this study was to perform multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for simultaneous detection of six categories of DEC in two sets of PCR reactions using 11 virulent genes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During 1-year study period, forty isolates each from outpatient, inpatient and healthy groups were collected from children. E. coli was identified using conventional biochemical methods. DNA extraction was done using kit, and the extracted DNA was used as a template for multiplex PCR.

RESULTS

Virulent genes of DEC were detected in 106 (88.33%) samples. Overall, elt and est were detected in 8.33% and 30.83% of specimens; typical, atypical enteropathogenic E. coli and bfp were detected in 13.33%, 29.16% and 19.16% specimens; eagg was detected in 39.16% and east in 13.33% specimens and stx and hyla were isolated in 1.66% specimens each. While diffusely adherent E. coli and enteroinvasive E. coli genes were not isolated.

CONCLUSION

Multiplex PCR is a rapid method for the simultaneous detection of 11 virulent genes of DEC at a time and it will provide a platform in understanding the diarrheal diseases in a more improved manner.