Development of a rapid detection assay for Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat meat, food-contact and non-contact surfaces

Abstract

Many tests are available to detect foodborne pathogens. Tests have been designed to selectively allow the growth of a target organism to facilitate identification using biochemical methods, while others have incorporated biochemical identification into selective media. The resulting tests are rapid, sensitive, specific and cost-effective. Recently, molecular methods have been employed to increase the speed, sensitivity and specificity of identification. However, current molecular methods require laboratory equipment and trained personnel and are not capable of detecting viable organisms. This thesis describes a set of studies designed to develop and evaluate a new detection method for the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes that is rapid, sensitive, specific, costeffective and simple enough to be used in the field and does not require expensive equipment or extensive training.