Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based System for Simultaneous Detection of Foodborne Pathogens in Agricultural Commodities and Environmental Sample

Non-Technical Summary: Food safety and pathogen control have become one of major concerns in modern food science due to outbreaks of foodborne infections/intoxications and the potential of bioterrorism attacks. Many isolation and identification methods for detecting foodborne pathogens have been developed and studied. Although these methods such as microbial culturing and biochemical assays have proven to be useful in quality control, they still cannot meet all the demands from the food industry because of their intrinsic limitations. Novel, rapid sample preparation and enrichment methods coupled with the rapid detection method (an iQ5 real-time PCR) to achieve truly rapid, sensitive, and reliable detection of foodborne pathogens will be developed in this project. The iQ5 real-time PCR detection system will be used to conduct programs in long-term monitoring of microorganisms for Maine dairy farms and agricultural commodities and studying microbial ecology of agricultural commodities. <P> Approach: 1) P.D., Dr. Vivian Wu and her research group will utilize the iQ5 real-time PCR detection system in combination with an immuno-capture system to speed up the whole detection protocol, so the overall detection time of foodborne pathogens can be reduced from several days to several hours with a sensitivity level of 1-10 CFU/25 g or ml in foods. Simultaneous detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. will also be developed. 2) A long-term monitoring of microorganisms for Maine dairy farms and agricultural commodities will be conducted. The iQ5 real-time PCR detection system will efficiently help the program to be developed. Projects for studying microbial ecology of agricultural commodities will also be conducted with the system.