Multiplex PCR for detection of acquired plasmid-borne fosfomycin resistance fos genes in Escherichia coli.

• Multiplex polimerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting simultaneously plasmid-mediated fosA -, fosC - and fosL -like genes. • Rapid (<3 hours) and reliable technique validated on a collection of Escherichia coli isolates. • Method showed sensitivity and specificity of 100%. A rapid (<3 hours) and reliable multiplex PCR was developed for detecting simultaneously known plasmid-mediated fos genes conferring acquired resistance to fosfomycin. Our technique was tested on a collection of Escherichia coli isolates previously identified as bearing the fosA -, fosC - and fosL -like genes, showing a sensitivity and a specificity of 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]