Molecular Serotyping of Escherichia coli O26:H11

Serotyping is the foundation of pathogenic Escherichia coli diagnostics; however, few laboratories have this capacity. We developed a molecular serotyping protocol that targets, genetically, the same somatic and flagellar antigens of E. coli O26:H11 used in traditional serotyping. It correctly serotypes strains untypeable by traditional methods, affording primary laboratories serotyping capabilities.     

Replisome pausing in mutagenesis

E. coli cells containing a temperature-sensitivednaE mutation, in the α-subunit of holoenzyme DNA polymerase III, do not survive at the restrictive temperature. Such cells may survive in the presence of thepcbA1 mutation, an allele of thegyrB gene. Such survival is dependent on an active DNA polymerase I. Evidence indicates that DNA polymerase I interacts directly in the replisome (REP·A). Despite normal survival for cells using thepcbA replication pathway after some type of DNA damage, we have noted a failure of damage-induced mutagenesis. Here we present evidence supporting a model of replisome pausing in cells dependent upon thepcbA replication pathway. The model argues that the (REP·A) complex pauses longer at the site of the lesion, allowing excision repair to occur completely. In the normal replication pathway (REP·E) bypass of the lesion occurs, fixing the mutation.