Advances in detection methods for viable Salmonella spp.: current applications and challenges

Area of Science:

• Food safety and microbiology
• Pathogen detection and identification

Background:

• Salmonella is a prevalent intestinal pathogen causing foodborne illness.
• Conventional culture methods are slow and may miss viable but non-culturable Salmonella.
• Efficient detection of viable Salmonella is critical for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current and emerging methods for detecting viable Salmonella spp.
• To provide researchers with options for rapid and accurate Salmonella detection assays.
• To highlight advancements in Salmonella monitoring for food safety.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on various Salmonella detection techniques.
• Analysis of culture-based, molecular (RNA/DNA), phage-based, and biosensor methods.
• Exploration of emerging technologies with future application potential.

Main Results:

• Multiple methods exist for viable Salmonella detection, each with advantages and limitations.
• Molecular and biosensor approaches offer speed and sensitivity.
• Advancements are continuously improving detection capabilities.

Conclusions:

• There is a growing need for rapid, sensitive, and accurate methods for viable Salmonella detection.
• Future methods are expected to be more stable, sensitive, and faster.
• Improved Salmonella detection will significantly enhance food safety and public health surveillance.