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Updated: May 24, 2026
Modified Most Probable Number Assay to Quantify Salmonella in Raw and Ready-to-Cook Chicken Products
Published on: January 31, 2025
Quantification of Salmonella in food samples from India using the MINI-MSRV MPN and modified MINI-MSRV MPN methods
Ravindranth Shashidhar1, Ishaa Srivastava, Jayant R Bandekar
1Food Technology Div., Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai 400085, India.
Abstract:
Salmonella is one of the most important food-borne pathogens. The MINI-MSRV MPN method was modified by replacing the isolation and confirmation of Salmonella on selective chromogenic agar with PCR/RT-PCR. This modification reduced the time for quantification by the MINI-MSRV MPN method by 24 h. Ninety-seven different food samples, comprising chicken, mutton, fish, and sprouts from different markets in Mumbai, India, were analyzed for quantification of Salmonella species by the MINI-MSRV MPN and modified MINI-MSRV MPN methods. Seventy-four percent of the chicken samples were found positive for Salmonella. However, Salmonella was found to be absent in fish, mutton, and sprouts samples. Salmonella load in the chicken sample was in the range of 1.30 to 120 MPN/g. This genotypic confirmation has advantage over variable phenotypic confirmation of pathogens.
Insights
A modified MINI-MSRV MPN method using PCR/RT-PCR significantly reduced Salmonella quantification time by 24 hours. This rapid method confirmed Salmonella in 74% of chicken samples, highlighting its efficiency in food safety testing.
Area of Science:
- Food Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Food Safety
Background:
- Salmonella is a major food-borne pathogen causing significant public health concerns.
- Traditional methods for Salmonella detection and quantification are often time-consuming.
- Accurate and rapid quantification is crucial for effective food safety management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To modify the existing MINI-MSRV MPN method for faster Salmonella quantification.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a PCR/RT-PCR based confirmation in the modified method.
- To assess the prevalence and load of Salmonella in various food samples from Mumbai, India.
Main Methods:
- The MINI-MSRV Most Probable Number (MPN) method was adapted by substituting selective chromogenic agar with PCR/RT-PCR for Salmonella isolation and confirmation.
- Ninety-seven food samples (chicken, mutton, fish, sprouts) were analyzed using both the original and modified MINI-MSRV MPN methods.
- Salmonella quantification was performed, and results were compared between the two methods.
Main Results:
- The modified MINI-MSRV MPN method reduced the overall quantification time by 24 hours compared to the traditional method.
- Salmonella species were detected in 74% of the analyzed chicken samples.
- Salmonella was not detected in fish, mutton, or sprouts samples. The Salmonella load in positive chicken samples ranged from 1.30 to 120 MPN/g.
Conclusions:
- The modified MINI-MSRV MPN method offers a significant time-saving advantage for Salmonella quantification.
- Genotypic confirmation using PCR/RT-PCR provides a more reliable and consistent alternative to phenotypic confirmation.
- The high prevalence of Salmonella in chicken samples underscores the need for stringent food safety measures in poultry products.
