Currently, definitive genetic identification of food-borne pathogens is done using traditional DNA sequencing methods first developed in the 1980s.
A scientist hopes to use novel technology to develop a faster method of detection and genetic identification of salmonella in contaminated foods.
Byron Brehm-Stecher, an Iowa State University researcher, wants to replace the current system of salmonella detection with a new approach that can provide DNA sequencing-like results in hours rather than days.
About Salmonellosis
Poor hygienic practices during cooking or handling of food products can cause this distressing infection of the intestines leading to diarrhea, cramps and fever.
Poor hygienic practices during cooking or handling of food products can cause this distressing infection of the intestines leading to diarrhea, cramps and fever.
"If you want (DNA) sequence information now, you first need to run a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on total DNA extracted from a sample of contaminated food. This amplifies DNA from the pathogen you're looking for and will let you know if salmonella is present or not," said Brehm-Stecher.
"However, further details about the pathogen are lacking, like what strain is present. To dig deeper, you need to run a cycle sequencing reaction - similar to a long PCR reaction - and send the output from this to a DNA sequencing core facility. Results are available about two days later.
Scientists Say Prevalence of HIV in Africa is Leading to New Strains of Salmonella
Dangerous strains of Salmonella are beginning to emerge in people infected with HIV in Africa, scientists at the University of Liverpool have discovered.
Dangerous strains of Salmonella are beginning to emerge in people infected with HIV in Africa, scientists at the University of Liverpool have discovered.
Faster detection of specific strains can mean recognizing an outbreak sooner and stopping tainted food from being delivered and consumed.
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Biology of Emergent Salmonella Unraveled
Scientists have characterised a new multi drug resistant strain of Salmonella Typhimurium that is causing life-threatening disease in Africa.
Scientists have characterised a new multi drug resistant strain of Salmonella Typhimurium that is causing life-threatening disease in Africa.
The recent results of the research will be presented at the August meeting of the International Association for Food Protection in Anaheim, Calif.
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Scientists Show How Salmonella can be Used to Kill Tumours
In a landmark study, German scientists have shown how the bacteria migrate into tumours.
In a landmark study, German scientists have shown how the bacteria migrate into tumours.
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