Enhanced Detection of Viable <i>Escherichia coli</i> O157:H7 in Romaine Lettuce Wash Water Using On-Filter Propidium Monoazide-Quantitative PCR.

ABSTRACT: Accurate detection of viable Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fresh produce wash water is critical for ensuring food safety and mitigating foodborne illnesses. This study evaluated an optimized on-filter propidium monoazide (PMA)-quantitative PCR (qPCR) method for detecting viable E. coli O157:H7 in romaine lettuce wash water, involving PMA pretreatment on a filter to block DNA amplification from dead cells. The method consistently detected viable cells across chemical oxygen demand (COD) levels of 1000 and 200 mg O₂/L, with no significant differences (p > 0.05), indicating its tolerance to organic matter interference. Optimization experiments identified 10 µM PMA with a 10 min exposure time as the most effective pretreatment, achieving efficient inhibition of DN

SUBMITTER: Chen Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11767674 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature