Comparison between the real-time PCR and Crystal Diagnostic Xpress immunoassay-based method for detecting Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in the air of beef slaughter establishments

What is it about?

The generation of bioaerosols containing bacterial pathogens during beef harvesting establishments is an important issue to consider when controlling pathogens in the meat industry. Pathogens such as Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Salmonella present on carcasses may be aerosolized during initial steps of slaughter, where highly active procedures are conducted and transferred from these “dirty” areas to “cleaner” areas. This may result in the pathogens being deposited on the meat before the end product is released for sale. This study aimed to investigate the presence of pathogens in the air of meat operation facility using two rapid detection methods (molecular and immunoassay based method)and to compare it to each other.

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