Development of a DNA macroarray for simultaneous detection of multiple foodborne pathogenic bacteria in fresh chicken

Chanida Kupradit1, Sureelak Rodtong, Mariena Ketudat-Cairns

  • 1School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand.

Insights

A novel DNA macroarray efficiently detects multiple foodborne pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli in chicken. This cost-effective method offers high accuracy and reduced time compared to traditional culture techniques.

Area of Science:

  • Food Microbiology
  • Molecular Diagnostics
  • Food Safety

Background:

  • Foodborne pathogens pose significant public health risks.
  • Accurate and rapid detection methods are crucial for food safety, especially in poultry products.
  • Conventional culture methods for pathogen detection are time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and validate a DNA macroarray system for simultaneous detection of multiple foodborne pathogens in fresh chicken meat.
  • To assess the sensitivity and accuracy of the developed macroarray assay.
  • To compare the efficiency of the macroarray method with conventional culture techniques.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a DNA macroarray targeting 16S rRNA and specific genes (fimY, ipaH, prfA, uspA) for Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli.
  • Utilizing Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for target gene amplification.
  • Application of the DNA macroarray to pure bacterial cultures and spiked fresh chicken meat samples after enrichment.

Main Results:

  • The PCR-amplified DNA macroarray system successfully distinguished all target bacteria from pure cultures with a sensitivity of 10⁵ c.f.u. ml⁻¹.
  • Simultaneous detection of all four target pathogens was achieved in fresh chicken samples.
  • The assay demonstrated high sensitivity for Listeria monocytogenes (≥10 c.f.u./25g) and Shigella boydii (≥3 c.f.u./25g).

Conclusions:

  • The developed DNA macroarray assay provides a highly accurate and rapid method for detecting multiple foodborne pathogens in chicken meat.
  • This cost-effective macroarray technique offers advantages over conventional culture methods, reducing analysis time and requiring no expensive equipment.
  • The assay holds significant potential for enhancing food safety surveillance and control in the poultry industry.