Identification of the O-antigen biosynthesis genes of Escherichia coli O91 and development of a O91PCR serotyping test

Aims: The aims of the study were to characterize the O91 O-antigen gene cluster from Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O91 and to provide the basis for a specific PCR test for rapid detection of E. coli O91. Methods and Results: The published primers complementary to JUMPstart and gnd gene, the conserved flanking sequences of O-antigen genes clusters in E. coli and related species were used to amplify the 10-kbp O91 O-antigen biosynthesis locus of STEC O91. A DNA library representative of this cluster allowed two O91 specific probes to be identified, and two specific PCR O91 serotyping tests to be successfully developed. Conclusions: These results confirm that the O-antigen gene cluster sequences of E. coli allow rapidly a specific O-antigen PCR assay to be designed. Significance and Impact of the Study: These findings increase the number of PCR-assays available to replace the classical O-serotyping among E. coli O-antigen.