Abstract
Diarrhea remains a major threat to children in low- and middle-income countries, which is the second cause of death among children in the world. The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a multiplex-PCR assay for direct detection of common bacterial enteropathogens in fecal specimens. One hundred and three stool specimens were collected from children under 5 years of age with gastroenteritis during a six-month period in Ilam, Iran. The multiplex PCR assay simultaneously detected Shigella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC), Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), and Salmonella enterica in stool samples. Our results demonstrated that the prevalence of Shigella spp. Campylobacter jejuni, EPEC, ETEC, and Salmonella enterica were 21.35%, 10.67%, 1.94%, 0.97% and 0%, respectively. In addition, Shigella spp. with Campylobacter jejuni and EPEC with Campylobacter jejuni coinfection were observed in sample 11 (10.67%). The analytical sensitivity of the multiplex PCR assay was estimated to be 0.01 ng/µL of genomic DNA from culture. The analytical specificity was determined to be 100% by using common and standard enteropathogenic bacterial strains. The molecular method developed in the study was rapid, sensitive, and specific for detection of common bacterial enteropathogens.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
