Virulence-specific bacterial DNA sequence

摘要

A nucleotide sequence encoding a virulence associated ATP diphosphohydrolase (apyrase) (EC 3.6.1.5), especially in Shigella sp. and enteroinvasive E.coli (EIEC) is disclosed, together with hybridization probes comprising said nucleotide sequence, or a specific part thereof; a process for the specific detection of virulent Shigella sp. and EIEC comprising use of said hybridization probes; and a diagnostic kit for use in the above mentioned diagnosis. The isolation of apyrase from Shigella and EIEC is also described.