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Standardization of diagnostic PCR for the detection of foodborne pathogens
Burkhard Malorny1, Panayotis T Tassios, Peter Rådström
1Federal Institute for Health Protection of Consumers and Veterinary Medicine, Diedersdorfer Weg 1, 12277 Berlin, Germany. b.malorny@bgvv.de
Abstract:
In vitro amplification of nucleic acids using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become, since its discovery in the 1980s, a powerful diagnostic tool for the analysis of microbial infections as well as for the analysis of microorganisms in food samples. However, despite its potential, PCR has neither gained wide acceptance in routine diagnostics nor been widely incorporated in standardized methods. Lack of validation and standard protocols, as well as variable quality of reagents and equipment, influence the efficient dissemination of PCR methodology from expert research laboratories to end-user laboratories. Moreover, the food industry understandably requires and expects officially approved standards. Recognizing this, in 1999, the European Commission approved the research project, FOOD-PCR (http://www.PCR.dk), which aims to validate and standardize the use of diagnostic PCR for the detection of pathogenic bacteria in foods. The present review focuses on the harmonization procedure and standardization criteria for detection of foodborne pathogens by PCR. The progress of standardization so far and future perspectives of diagnostic PCR are discussed.
Insights
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a powerful tool for detecting microbial infections and foodborne pathogens. Standardization and validation are crucial for its wider adoption in routine diagnostics and food safety testing.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Food Science
Background:
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a valuable in vitro nucleic acid amplification technique for microbial analysis.
- Despite its potential, PCR lacks widespread adoption in routine diagnostics and standardized food safety methods due to validation and standardization issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the harmonization procedures and standardization criteria for diagnostic PCR in detecting foodborne pathogens.
- To discuss the progress and future perspectives of diagnostic PCR in food safety.
Main Methods:
- The review focuses on the FOOD-PCR project (http://www.PCR.dk), initiated by the European Commission in 1999.
- It examines validation and standardization efforts for PCR-based detection of pathogenic bacteria in food samples.
Main Results:
- Lack of validation, standard protocols, and variable reagent/equipment quality hinder PCR dissemination.
- The FOOD-PCR project aims to address these limitations by validating and standardizing diagnostic PCR methods.
Conclusions:
- Standardization and validation are essential for the routine use of PCR in food safety diagnostics.
- Harmonized protocols will enhance the reliability and acceptance of PCR for detecting foodborne pathogens.