Rapid and simultaneous detection of Salmonella Sp. and Staphylococcus aureus in seafood by Multiplex PCR (mPCR)

Abstract

aims: The present study is to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus in seafood sample using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR). background: The rapid detection of food borne pathogen is increasing to ensure safety to consumers as major food borne illness is caused by pathogenic bacteria. Salmonellosis caused by Salmonella sp. is one of the primary concerns in many countries. Staphylococcus aureus is capable of generating toxins which can produce food poisoning in human body. objective: The thermostable nuclease (nuc) gene of Staphylococcus aureus and enterotoxin (stn) gene of Salmonella were used as target genes for mPCR detection. method: Totally, 10 seafood which includes fishes, crab and prawns which are generally available in Indian fish markets were selected for the present study. Samples that carried both the strains Salmonella and Staphylococcus were selected for mPCR by targeting the stn and nuc gene. result: Among 10 seafood samples collected, 7 of them carried Salmonella strain and 5 of them carried Staphylococcus strains. The results showed that 75% of the salmonella strains carried stn gene and 75% of the Staphylococcus strains carried nuc gene. conclusion: This study suggests that mPCR can be used for simultaneous detection by targeting the stn gene and nuc gene of salmonella and Staphylococcus food borne pathogens in seafood. other: Not applicable