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<p>This research project aims to develop tests for Enteroaggregative E. coli in stool specimens and food in order to be able to distinguish these from other E. coli infections.
<p>This project aims to develop molecular and non-molecular tests to identify EAEC in stool specimens and food. The project will use genetic methods to identify conserved markers that are specific to EAEC.
<p>These characters will be employed to prepare antibodies that will form the basis of non-molecular diagnostic tools.
<p>The utility of spot tests for presumptive diagnosis of EAEC infection will also be evaluated. The sensitivity and specificity of tests developed will be measured in stool specimens from diarrhoeal cases and spiked food samples.
The Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) are an emerging cause of persistent and acute diarrhoea. Infections caused by EAEC are under-diagnosed due to difficulties in delineating the organisms from other E. coli and considerable heterogeneity within the category.
<p>For the same reasons, very little is known about infection vehicles or reservoirs for EAEC.
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<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.