Abstract: Described herein are a plurality of primers which may be used in a multiplex PCR assay in a fast, accurate, reliable and specific fashion for detecting the presence of specific Campylobacter strains within a sample. These kits can be used on bacterial isolates and has the potential for use directly on foods and environmental samples.

Abstract: A single kit comprising 3 multiplex PCR assays that can detect in E. coli the presence of the 8 virulence genes: eaeA, EHEC-HlyA, Stx1 (VT1), Stx2 (VT2), Stx2c (VT2c), Stx2d (VT2d), Stx2e (VT2e) and Stx2f (VT2f) is described. In addition, the kit can detect the two critical serotypes (O157 and H7) and identify the species (Escherichia coli) simultaneously using a one step reaction. Following evaluation in our hands, this PCR kit has been used to detect the above 11 components of disease-causing E. coli in a fast, accurate, reliable and specific fashion. These kits can be used on bacterial isolates and has the potential for use directly on foods and environmental samples.