Chapter 16 - Modern techniques for rapid detection of meatborne pathogens

Abstract

Meatborne pathogens are a growing concern for human illness and death. There is continuous effort for the development of rapid and reliable techniques for the detection of meatborne pathogens. Improvements in the field of immunology, molecular biology, automation, and computer technology continue to have a positive effect on the development of faster, more sensitive, and more convenient methods for their detection. The development of online microbiology, including ATP bioluminescence and cell counting methods, is important for rapid detection of meatborne pathogens. The possibilities of combining different rapid methods, including immunological and DNA-based methods should be further exploited. The developments in immunoassays and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols should result in quantitative detection of microorganisms and the simultaneous detection of more than one pathogen or toxin. Technology continuing to advance at a great pace, the next generation of assays currently being developed has the capability for near real-time and online monitoring of multiple pathogens. Modern methods are based on molecular biology techniques like PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism, DNA microarray assay, immunological techniques like ELISA, and biophysical and biochemical principles with the application of biosensors like bioluminescence sensor, bioanalytical sensors utilizing enzymes, electrical impedimetry, and flow cytometry. This chapter describes meatborne diseases and safety concerns, and discusses the modern techniques for rapid detection of meatborne pathogens.