Studies on Detection of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157 in Meat and Other Animal Products by Multiplex PCR Assay

Abstract:

A rapid multiplex PCR (m-PCR) method that allows the simultaneous detection,in a single tube, of two commonly encountered food-borne pathogens in meat and other animal products was developed. The invasion protein gene (invA) of Salmonella spp. and rfbE gene of Escherichia coli O157 were used as the gene targets. The multiplex PCR assay was specific and rapid,with a turnround time of 9 h~10 h.While the detection limit is 2.4×102 cfu/mL of Salmonella spp. and 2.2×102 cfu/mL of E.coli O157 respectively when detecting the artificially contaminated pork meat with incubation at 37℃ for 4 h. The m-PCR assay developed in this study could provide a cost-effective and informative supplement to conventional microbiological methods for routine monitoring of food.

Key words:Meat, Multiplex PCR, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157