Rapid and Simultaneous Detection of Salmonella Sp. and Staphylococcus aureus in Seafood by Multiplex PCR (mPCR)

The rapid detection of food-borne pathogens is increasing to ensure the safety of consumers, as the major food-borne illnesses are caused by pathogenic bacteria. Salmonellosis caused by Salmonella sp. is one of the primary concerns in many countries. Staphylococcus aureus is capable of generating toxins that can produce food poisoning in the human body. Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus in seafood sample using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR). The thermostable nuclease (nuc) gene of Staphylococcus aureus and enterotoxin (stn) gene of Salmonella were used as target genes for mPCR detection. Methods and Material: In total, 10 seafood items, including fish, crabs, and prawns, which are generally available in Indian fish markets, were selected for the present study. Samples that carried both the strains Salmonella and Staphylococcus were selected for mPCR by targeting the stn and nuc genes. Results: Among 10 seafood samples collected, 7 of them carried Salmonella strain and 5 of them carried Staphylococcus strains. The results showed that 75% of the salmonella strains carried stn gene, and 75% of the Staphylococcus strains carried the nuc gene. Conclusion: This study suggests that mPCR can be used for simultaneous detection by targeting the stn gene and nuc gene of salmonella and Staphylococcus food-borne pathogens in seafood.