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BAX^® CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI/COLI/LARI KIT (96 tests)

Code: QB3449C

BAX System Real-Time PCR Assay for Campylobacter jejuni/coli/lari

click here for information on BAX System Q7

Description
Campylobacter is a worldwide public health concern and the leading cause of enteric illness in the US. Ingesting even low doses (less than 500 cells) can cause Campylobacteriosis, with clinical complications that include arthritis and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Although C. jejuni is responsible for 90% of these infections, C. coli and C. lari are also harmful to humans. These bacteria are carried in the intestinal tracts of animals, especially birds. Campylobacter can be found in a variety of animal hosts and the environment.  It is also endemic to many poultry flocks.  When an infected bird is slaughtered, Campylobacter can be transferred from the intestines to the meat. For example, more than half of the raw chicken in the U.S. market has Campylobacter on it, and the pathogen has also been found in un-pasteurised milk, meat, poultry, shellfish, fruits and vegetables. Current screening procedures are culture-based, which require a laborious plating method and at least five days to result.

Faster, quantified results are now available with the BAX System Real-Time PCR Assay for Campylobacter jejuni/coli/lari.

• Detects and quantifies all three species in the same sample
• Less than 90 minutes processing time
• Same-day results for highly contaminated samples without enrichment
• Results for enriched samples as soon as next day
• Validated on poultry carcass rinses and ready-to-eat products
• Level of detection down to 10⁴ cfu/mL
• Excellent inclusivity/exclusivity

How it works
The BAX System Real-Time PCR Assay for Campylobacter jejuni/coli/lari, developed in alliance with Applied BioSystems, is the first in a series of new assays that utilize the advanced PCR capabilities of the next-generation BAX System Q7 instrument. Using probe-based chemistry and real-time detection, this PCR assay can detect and differentiate between three species of Campylobacter in the same sample. Beyond yes-or-no answers, the system automatically calculates the concentration of cells per gram of each species, delivering a quantitative value for each.

Just like the original genetic-based BAX System, the Q7 instrument uses the power of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to rapidly amplify unique DNA fragments, when present, for reliable detection of C. jejuni, C. coli or C. lari. BAX System assays simplify the method by combining all the PCR reagents you need into a single tablet, conveniently packaged inside the PCR tubes contained in each kit. Reducing the number of manual manipulations and pipetting steps, the tabletted reagents improve accuracy and consistency; hands-on time is reduced to a minimum and shelf life is increased.

Highly contaminated samples can be processed without an enriching growth step. Other samples can be enriched for 24-48 hours (depending on initial concentrations) before processing with the BAX System. After enrichment, samples are lysed to break open the cell walls and release DNA. This lysate is then used to hydrate the PCR tablets. Processing in the Q7 unit takes less than 90 minutes for a full rack of 96 tests. Electronic results appear as positive icons if any of the three Campylobacter species is present. A table of results that includes cfu/ml values for each target is also displayed, along with a graph of the amplification curves.  Data can be easily stored, shared or printed.

Applications
The BAX System detects and quantifies three species of Campylobacter - C. jejuni, C. coli and C. lari. It has been validated for detecting Campylobacter in poultry carcass rinses or processed products at concentration levels as low as 10⁴ cfu/ml. Validation studies have shown that the BAX System performs as well or better than traditional culture method, but with quicker time to result. For enriched samples, results are available as soon as next day. For highly contaminated samples that do not require enrichment (where Campylobacter concentrations are approximately 10⁴ or greater), results are available in as little as 2 ½ hours.

Approvals
AOAC-RI Performance Tested Method 040702  The BAX System Real-Time PCR Assay for Campylobacter jejuni/coli/lari has been validated for use with poultry carcass and ready-to-eat poultry meats.