Abstract
Abstract: Foods are analyzed for food safety hazards in order to comply with food safety standards. Among food-borne pathogens Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes are recognized as major foodborne pathogens of public health significance worldwide. In the present study, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) was used to screen for S. enterica and L. monocytogenes in table eggs collected from different markets (840 eggs). Pooled egg samples categorized as commercial and backyard eggs based on the source of collection. Collected eggs were screened for S. enterica and L. monocytogenes using mPCR assays. Conserved regions viz. invA and prfA genes were targeted for the specific detection of S. enterica and L. monocytogenes, respectively. mPCR and conventional method showed same results, prevalence of S. enterica at 12.5 and 33.3 per cent in commercial and backyard eggs, respectively. While, L. monocytogenes was undetectable in commercial eggs; but, detected only in backyard table egg sample (8.3%). Present study indicated complete concordance between specific pre-enrichment mPCR and conventional cultural methods. Results of the study underscored mPCR as steadfast rapid tool for the screening of table eggs for listed food safety hazards S. enterica and L. monocytogenes in table eggs. Keywords: Eggs; Listeria; mPCR; Public Health; Salmonella
Highlights
Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes are the major food safety hazards of public health concern often implicated in foodborne disease outbreaks (Singh et al, 2012)
Presence of S. enterica and L. monocytogenes was detected based on the amplification of the 284 and 217 base pairs polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products in Salmonella and Listeria species, respectively (Figure 1)
The multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) adopted in the present study was found to detect both pathogens simultaneously and the results of the mPCR were in complete concordance with the conventional cultural methods
Summary
Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes are the major food safety hazards of public health concern often implicated in foodborne disease outbreaks (Singh et al, 2012). Salmonellosis, caused by Salmonella enterica, a disease of economic significance having implications on the food industry and it is primarily associated with poultry and poultry products. L. monocytogenes grows over wide pH (4.39 to 9.40) range, refrigeration temperatures and is associated with listeriosis in human and animals (Singh et al, 2012). Among 17 Listeria species, L. monocytogenes has been identified as the most significant member owing to its pathogenic nature to humans and animals responsible for food-borne infections, meningitis, encephalitis and febrile gastroenteritis (Barbuddhe et al, 2002)
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