Improved multiplex PCR method for the rapid detection of β-lactamase genes in Escherichia coli of animal origin

Abstract We developed 2 variants, A and B, of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction method for detecting the β-lactam resistance genes bla TEM , bla SHV , and bla OXA in 122 uropathogenic Escherichia coli animal strains. Method B yielded 98% specificity and 100% sensitivity, and method A yielded 100% and 89%, respectively. Variant B was more accurate (99%) than A (94%).