Campylobacter - Rapid Testing
Did you know that infections with thermophilic Campylobacter are now generally considered to be the main cause of bacterial enteritis in many developed countries. The infections mainly result from the consumption of contaminated and unheated or only weakly heated food such as poultry.
Human pathogenic campylobacter such as campylobacter jejuni and campylobacter coli are highly infectious and therefore rapid microbiological diagnostics in foods is especially important. Nevertheless, the detection of these species is time-consuming and requires trained personnel.
To simplify the detection of these bacteria MERCK KGaA has developed Singlepath Campylobacter, an immunochromatographic rapid test, which, in a single working process within 20 minutes after 48 h of incubation of the food sample in Bolton broth, specifically detects these bacteria.
A study was conducted for the targeted detection of Campylobacter specie. in natural and in “spiked” food samples were evaluated.
The overall results to date show that the rapid test Singlepath Campylobacter is suitable for the routine examination of food samples for Campylobacter. Die Specificity and sensitivity of the rapid test (in comparison with biochemical culture methods) were measured at 98% and 100%. Singlepath Campylobacter can therefore be considered to be very safe
In comparison with another alternative method, the VIDAS Campylobacter. Singlepath has the advantages of a much shorter detection time, simpler handling and a more attractive price.
This means for routine examinations a clear decrease in operating costs. Occasional false-negative or false-positive results can never be completely excluded with biological material and do not reduce the applicability of the tested method.
