Immunomagnetic separation and visual fluorescence detection of Salmonella spp., using AOAC approved SAS Molecular...

The SAS Molecular Tests method for detection of Salmonella spp. in various food matrixes has been certified by the AOAC Research Institute and designated Performance Tested Method No. 021202. The current method modification includes the optional immunomagnetic separation (IMS) to enrich the bacteria as well as optional visual fluorescence readout without the use of a turbidimeter. The modifications were validated against the U.S. Department of Agriculture/ Food Safety and Inspection Service Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook (MLG) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual (BAM) reference methods. Food matrixes (chicken carcass rinse, beef trim, and spinach) were inoculated with low levels of Salmonella spp. (0.2-2 CFU/test portion) to generate fractional positives (5-15) in 20 inoculated samples. Samples were enriched with SAS Enrichment medium and incubated at 42 +/- 1 degree C. Enrichments were tested directly and subjected to anti-Salmonella IMS prior to the SAS Molecular Tests. Results were determined via visual fluorescence and via turbidity using a turbidimeter. All replicates were confirmed using the MLG or BAM reference method procedures, regardless of presumptive result. The SAS Molecular Tests Salmonella Detection modified methods were determined to be equivalent to the reference methods for the detection of Salmonella in chicken carcass rinse, beef trim, and fresh spinach. The inclusion of IMS in the modified method improved the detection rate of Salmonella in chicken carcass rinses and spinach. The optional use of visual fluorescent reagent and heat block either with IMS or without IMS produced results that were comparable to the results obtained from using a real-time turbidimeter.