MULTIPLEX PCR FOR THE DETECTION OF CAMPYLOBACTER SPP. AND SALMONELLA SPP. IN CHICKEN MEAT

The control of Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. in chicken meat is essential for avoiding sanitary barriers and preventing human disease. The aim of this study was to develop a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay (mPCR) for the rapid detection of these bacteria in raw chicken meat. The mPCR was developed using the Styinva-JHO-Right and Styinva-JHO-Left primers (specific for Salmonella spp.) and the OT1559 and 18-1 primers (specific for Campylobacter spp.). The specificity of the assay was 100% and it was able to detect 102 cfu/mL of Campylobacter spp. after the selective enrichment and 1 cfu/mL of Salmonella spp. after nonselective enrichment. Fifty raw chicken meat samples were analyzed; 4% were contaminated with Salmonella spp. and 56% with Campylobacter spp. The results obtained using mPCR were confirmed by conventional culturing methods. The developed mPCR method is a relatively inexpensive and efficient means to detect these bacteria after 24 h of enrichment. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The developed multiplex polymerase chain reaction method (mPCR) is a relatively inexpensive and efficient means to detect Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. in chicken meat after 24 h of enrichment. The detection of these pathogens in a few hours allows the food supply chain to take appropriate measures quickly to prevent the distribution of contaminated food. Rapid and simultaneous detection of these bacteria in chicken meat can assist in the implementation of the preventive measures that can reduce contamination, which is very useful for Brazil, the third largest producer of chicken meat and the largest exporter of this product. Moreover, the developed mPCR may speed up the identification of suspected colonies of those bacteria on the selective media used in conventional culture methods.