Detection and Identification of Enteric Pathogens

Category: Biology and Medicine

Reference Number: 00115

Description

Two pairs of DNA primers have been designed to be used in the Polymerase Chain Reaction System (PCR) to consecutively detect both Salmonella and Shigella. The method used to detect the bacteria involves isolating and purifying nucleic acids and using the primers in the PCR system to amplify Salmonella and Shigella-specific sequences which are then identified using gel electrophoresis.

Applications

The current method can be used for the detection of enteric pathogens in environmental samples such as water, wastewater, sewage and sludge, as well as food, feed, and clinical samples.

Main Advantages

The system is relatively low cost, and extremely sensitive and capable of detecting as few as 10 Salmonella and Shigella bacteria in a particular sample. Presumptive identification of Salmonella and Shigella is attained in less than 5 hours and an internal probe may be used if additional confirmation is needed. Current methods require 2-1/2 to 7 days to detect either Salmonella or Shigella in other systems.

Inventor(s)

Bruce M. Roll
Microbiology

Contact Information

For licensing information, please contact Jonathan Roberts at ayuen@hawaii.edu

For all other inquiries, please write to:

Office of Technology Transfer & Economic Development

University of Hawai’i

2800 Woodlawn Drive, Suite 280

Honolulu, HI 96822