Multiplex PCRs for identification of necrotoxigenic Escherichia coli

Two multiplex PCRs were developed for the detection of necrotoxigenic Escherichia coli virulence genes. M1 contained the primers for the toxins and the aerobactin, and M2 contained the primers for the adhesins. They were validated by single PCRs performed with reference E. coli strains and by multiplex PCRs with necrotoxigenic E. coli strains isolated from different animal species.