DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTIPLEX PCR ASSAY FOR THE SPECIFIC DETECTION OF SALMONELLA, CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI, ESCHERICHIA COLI O157:H7, AND LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES

Abstract

Abstract Detection of food-associated bacterial pathogens has become a major focus of the food industry, regulatory agencies, and researchers. Multiple pathogens need to be rapidly detected with high specificity and as cost efficient as possible. In this research, a multiplex PCR assay for the specific detection of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:-H7, Salmonella, and Campylobacter jejuni was developed. The four bacteria were detectable at 10⁴ CFU/PCR reaction. No cross-reactivity with other bacteria commonly found associated with the four target organisms was found. This assay would simplify detection procedures for the target pathogens, reduce the time and labor necessary to acquire food safety results, and might allow one protocol to be used for bacterial detection on a wide variety of food products.