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PCR Detection of Microbial Pathogens PCR Detection of Microbial ...

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STEC <strong>PCR</strong> 165<br />

Fig. 1. Routes <strong>of</strong> transmission <strong>of</strong> STEC to humans<br />

The eae gene (with subtypes α,β,γ,δ, and ε) coding for a protein called intimin<br />

completes a key function as it effects a closer connection between pathogen and<br />

host cell. A pedestrial cup formed beneath the bacterial cell is built by the effacing<br />

<strong>of</strong> microvilli so that the bacterial cell is able penetrate into the host.<br />

The HPI also comprises a gene cluster. Some proteins derived from this<br />

locus are involved in iron uptake from the nutrient media or the host.<br />

The ast A gene was found in enteroaggregative E. coli. The gene product is<br />

a heat-stable toxin, which may contribute to the disturbance <strong>of</strong> the electrolyte<br />

balance <strong>of</strong> host cells.<br />

Virulence factors located on plasmids include the EHEC-hemolysin (EHEChly)<br />

(33–36), the kat P gene, which encodes an enzyme with catalase-peroxidase-activity<br />

(37), the esp P gene encoding a serin protease cleaving coagulation<br />

factor V <strong>of</strong> human blood (38), the etp gene cluster encoding proteins <strong>of</strong> a type II<br />

secretion system (39), the col D 157 gene involved in colicin production (40),<br />

and the ile X gene, a tRNA gene related to stx 2 and subtypes only (41).<br />

In the present chapter, a cascade <strong>of</strong> methods for specific detection, isolation,<br />

and characterization <strong>of</strong> STEC from different habitats and sample matrixes is<br />

described. The general course <strong>of</strong> the procedure and individual steps involved<br />

are summarized in Fig. 2 (42,43).

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