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03 December 2009

Oxoid offers DuPont Qualicon BAX® System Real-Time PCR Assay for Vibrios

Food microbiologists in Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can obtain this assay from their local representative of Oxoid products

We are pleased to announce that the DuPont Qualicon BAX® System Real-Time PCR Assay for Vibrios is now available alongside the Oxoid range in Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The BAX® System Real-Time PCR Assay for Vibrio detects low levels of three distinct species - V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus - from the same sample, in less than 24 hours.

Tested on shrimp, tuna, oysters, scallops and crab, the BAX® System Vibrio Assay delivers 100 percent inclusivity for the three target species (42 V. cholerae, 20 V. parahaemolyticus, 29 V. vulnificus) and 100 percent exclusivity for non-target species (35 non-Vibrio; 20 non-V. cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, V. vulnificus). Reliable, differentiated results are now available in less than one day, with the assay's performance being equivalent to or better than the FDA Bacteriological Analytical Method (BAM) reference culture method, which typically takes three to five days.

This next-day test for Vibrio will be of great benefit to seafood companies, allowing them to improve operational efficiencies and make product release decisions more quickly and with confidence.

The BAX® System Real-Time Vibrio Assay procedure is simple to perform: stomach or blend 25g sample with 225ml alkaline peptone water, pre-warmed to incubation temperature; incubate samples at 35 ± 2°C for 18-20 hours; heat 5µl enrichment in prepared lysis reagent at 37°C for 20 minutes, then at 95°C for 10 minutes, cool for 5 minutes; hydrate PCR tablets with 30µl of lysate then load the rack into BAX® System instrument and start the test.

Results can be viewed and easily interpreted after just 90 minutes.

For further information about the BAX® System and assays available from Oxoid in Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, please speak to your local Oxoid representative or download a copy of our BAX Setting Standards newsletter that contains case studies and more information.

BAX SS Update (PDF)

NOTES

Vibrio are bacteria typically found in salt water and unsanitary drinking water, and several species are pathogenic in humans. Consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked shellfish can cause food-borne illness. Open wounds that are exposed to contaminated sea water can also become infected and lead to septicemia, especially in people with liver disease. More than 180,000 people worldwide became ill from V. cholerae infections in 2007, and a recent cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe caused more than 60,000 illnesses and 3,100 deaths.