A novel real-time PCR assay for the detection of Helicobacter pullorum-like organisms in chicken products Authors Ana González Patricia Piqueres Yolanda Moreno Irene Cañigral Robert J. Owen Javier Hernández Maria A. Ferrús Abstract A novel real-time PCR assay was developed for the direct detection in food of Helicobacter pullorum-like bacteria, which are occasionally associated with human enteric disease. Experiments using control strains showed that the realtime PCR assay was specific and reproducible, with a detection level of 1 colony-forming unit (CFU)/g. The assay was then applied to determine contamination rates in 30 samples of three types of chicken-meat products obtained from five retail outlets in Spain (Valencia); all of the samples were initially considered to be culture-negative for Helicobacter even after an enrichment period. H.pullorum-like DNA was detected in seven out of ten chicken carcasses and in one chicken-burger sample (without enrichment), as well as in one liver sample (after enrichment). Sequencing of three randomly selected PCR products confirmed concordance (99% homology) with the H. pullorum 16S rDNA gene. The advantages of real-time PCR over conventional PCR assays are the improved detection level, speed of testing, and validation of specificity by melting-point analysis. The fact that bacteria are frequently present in chicken carcasses sold in retail stores highlights the importance of more widely monitoring contamination rates. The novel assay described herein allows better assessment of potential human health risks posed by H. pullorum. Downloads PDF Published 2008-12-11 Issue Vol. 11 No. 3 (2008) Section Research Articles License Submission of a manuscript to International Microbiology implies: that the work described has not been published before, including publication in the World Wide Web (except in the form of an Abstract or as part of a published lecture, review, or thesis); that it is not under consideration for publication elsewhere; that all the coauthors have agreed to its publication. The corresponding author signs for and accepts responsability for releasing this material and will act on behalf of any and all coauthors regarding the editorial review and publication process.If an article is accepted for publication in International Microbiology, the authors (or other copyright holder) must transfer to the journal the right–not exclusive–to reproduce and distribute the article including reprints, translations, photographic reproductions, microform, electronic form (offline, online) or any other reproductions of similar nature. Nevertheless, all article in International Microbiology will be available on the Internet to any reader at no cost. The journal allows users to freely download, copy, print, distribute, search, and link to the full text of any article, provided the authorship and source of the published article is cited. The copyright owner's consent does not include copying for new works, or resale. In these cases, the specific written permission of International Microbiology must first be obtained.Authors are requested to create a link to the published article on the journal's website. The link must be accompanied by the following text: "The original publication is available on LINK at <http://www.im.microbios.org>. Please use the appropiate URL for the article in LINK. Articles disseminated via LINK are indexed, abstracted, and referenced by many abstracting and information services, bibliographic networks, subscription agencies, library networks, and consortia.
