Molecular markers

Abstract

Nucleic acid based methods for detecting the presence of E. coli or Shigella or related microorganisms in a sample using one or more E. coli or Shigella species specific nucleotide sequences are disclosed. More particularly the identification of molecules capable of binding or otherwise facilitating abnormal cell growth or abnormal physiology such as found in cancer or cellular instability is described. Further, molecular probes for performing the nucleic-acid based methods and methods of testing and selecting nucleic acid sequences suitable for same are provided. The methods and polynucleotides are useful inter alia in the testing of food and water samples, for testing for genetic and cellular instability, and for testing benign, pre-neoplastic and neoplastic disease in asymptomatic or symptomatic colorectal or gastric cancer patients or those at risk of the aforementioned conditions or those infected by Escherichieae and with other diseases or conditions.