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Detection of Cronobacter Genus in Powdered Infant Formula by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay Using Anti-Cronobacter
Xinjie Song1, Shruti Shukla1, Gibaek Lee1
1Department of Food Science and Technology, Yeungnam University Gyeongsan, South Korea.
Insights
A new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can rapidly detect seven Cronobacter species in powdered infant formula (PIF). This sensitive method ensures the safety of baby food by identifying these hazardous foodborne pathogens quickly.
Area of Science:
- Food safety and microbiology
- Immunological assays for pathogen detection
Background:
- Cronobacter species are hazardous foodborne pathogens frequently found in powdered infant formula (PIF).
- Existing detection methods for Cronobacter spp. in PIF may lack the required speed and sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid and sensitive method for the simultaneous detection of seven Cronobacter species in PIF.
- To create a novel immunoassay utilizing a specific anti-Cronobacter immunoglobulin G (IgG).
Main Methods:
- Development of an indirect non-competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (INC-ELISA) using a novel anti-Cronobacter IgG.
- Testing the INC-ELISA's sensitivity and specificity with pure cultures and spiked PIF samples.
- Evaluation of cross-reactivity with other foodborne pathogens and related bacteria.
Main Results:
- The developed INC-ELISA detected seven Cronobacter species in pure culture at concentrations from 5.6 × 10^3 to 2.1 × 10^5 CFU/mL.
- The assay successfully detected less than 10 Cronobacter spp. cells per 25 g of PIF within 36 hours.
- The method demonstrated excellent specificity, with only slight cross-reactivity observed with Franconibacter pulveris at high concentrations.
Conclusions:
- A novel anti-Cronobacter IgG enabled the development of a highly sensitive and efficient INC-ELISA.
- This INC-ELISA method provides a rapid and reliable tool for detecting Cronobacter spp. in baby food.
- The assay contributes to enhanced food safety by ensuring the quality of powdered infant formula.
Abstract:
Cronobacter species (Cronobacter spp.) are hazardous foodborne pathogens associated with baby food, powdered infant formula (PIF). To develop a rapid and sensitive method for simultaneous detection of seven Cronobacter spp. in PIF, an indirect non-competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (INC-ELISA) was developed based on a novel immunoglobulin G (IgG), anti-Cronobacter IgG. The developed INC-ELISA was able to detect seven Cronobacter spp. at concentrations ranging from (5.6 ± 0.30) × 10(3) to (2.1 ± 0.01) × 10(5) colony forming unit (CFU)/mL in pure culture. Further, INC-ELISA employing anti-Cronobacter IgG was applicable for analysis of PIF samples contaminated with less than <10 cells of Cronobacter spp. per 25 g of PIF in 36 h. The developed antibody showed slight cross-reactivity with Franconibacter pulveris (LMG 24057) at high concentration (10(8) CFU/mL). The INC-ELISA method displayed excellent specificity without compromising cross-reactivity with other foodborne pathogens. The INC-ELISA assay method developed in this study using a novel anti-Cronobacter IgG facilitated highly sensitive, efficient, and rapid detection of Cronobacter spp. in baby food.
