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Analysis of Bacillus cereus toxicity using PCR , ELISA and a lateral flow device
Author(s) -
Tallent S.M.,
Hait J.M.,
Bennett R.W.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.889
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1365-2672
pISSN - 1364-5072
DOI - 10.1111/jam.12766
Subject(s) - bacillus cereus , cereus , microbiology and biotechnology , enterotoxigenic escherichia coli , food poisoning , biology , salmonella , outbreak , bacillus subtilis , food microbiology , staphylococcus aureus , bacillus (shape) , bacteria , enterotoxin , escherichia coli , virology , genetics , gene
Abstract Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of immunodetection methods and PCR analysis of enterotoxigenic B acillus cereus strains. Methods and Results Eighty‐eight enterotoxigenic B. cereus group strains linked to food‐borne outbreaks and illnesses were studied with 30 exclusivity nonenterotoxigenic strains including B acillus amyoliquifaciens, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella and Escherichia coli for this assessment. The PCR results showed 80% agreement with immunoassays for the Nhe target and 84% for the Hbl product. All exclusivity strains were PCR and serologically negative. Conclusions PCR has proven to be a valuable tool when used in conjunction with immunoassays to quickly identify enterotoxigenic B. cereus group strains. Significance and Impact of the Study This study assessed the utility of rapid methods to characterize enterotoxigenic profiles of B. cereus group strains. The identification of enterotoxigenic bacteria and any associated toxins detected from food products is essential in food defense programs as public health officials search for methods to rapidly and accurately screen a global food supply.