Direct Application of Multiplex PCR on Stool Specimens for Detection of Enteropathogenic Bacteria

Background: Causative bacterial agents of infectious diarrheal disease were traditionally diagnosed by stool cultures. Stool culture, however, has a problem because of relatively low sensitivity and long turnaround time. In this study, we evaluated multiplex PCR applied on stool specimens directly to diagnose enteropathogenic bacteria. Methods: From June to September 2009, 173 diarrheal stools submitted for stool cultures were tested by Seeplex Diarrhea ACE Detection kit (Seegene, Korea) to detect 10 enteropathogenic bacteria. Specimens were cultured for Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia. Late 50 specimens were also cultured for Campylobacter. The specimens positive for verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) were further subcultured for detecting enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7. Electronic medical records were reviewed for clinical and laboratory findings.