Specific nucleic acid sequences, e.g., SEQ ID NOs: 1-8, for detecting Escherichia coli. Also disclosed is a method of detecting Escherichia coli. The method includes providing a sample having a nucleic acid from an unknown microorganism; amplifying the nucleic acid with an upstream primer containing SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 and a downstream primer containing SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4, each primer being 18-40 nucleotides in length; and detecting an amplification product. Detection of the amplification product, e.g., using SEQ ID NO: 5, 6, 7, or 8 as a probe, indicates the presence of Escherichia Coli.