Rapid sample preparation method for PCR-based detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef

S. Cui, C. M. Schroeder, D. Y. Zhang, J. Meng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

50 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aim: To develop an improved, rapid and sensitive sample preparation method for PCR-based detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef. Methods and Results: Fresh ground beef samples were experimentally inoculated with varying concentrations of E. coli O157:H7. PCR inhibitors were removed and bacterial cells were concentrated by filtration and centrifugation, and lysed using enzymatic digestion and successive freeze/thaw cycles. DNA was purified and concentrated via phenol/chloroform extraction and the Shiga toxin 1 gene (stx1) was amplified using PCR to evaluate the sample preparation method. Without prior enrichment of cells in broth media, the detection limit was 103 CFU g-1 beef. When a 6 h enrichment step was incorporated, the detection limit was 1 CFU g-1 beef. The total time required from beginning to end of the procedure was 12 h. Conclusions: The sample preparation method developed here enabled substantially improved sensitivity in the PCR-based detection of E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef, as compared to previous reports. Significance and Impact of the Study: Superb sensitivity, coupled with quick turn-around time, relative ease of use and cost-effectiveness, makes this a useful method for detecting E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)129-134
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Applied Microbiology
Volume95
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2003

Keywords

  • Detection
  • E. coli O157:H7
  • Ground beef
  • PCR

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