title: Comprehensive and rapid real-time PCR analysis of 21 foodborne outbreaks.
abstract: A set of four duplex SYBR Green I PCR (SG-PCR) assay combined with DNA extraction using QIAamp DNA Stool Mini kit was evaluated for the detection of foodborne bacteria from 21 foodborne outbreaks. The causative pathogens were detected in almost all cases in 2 hours or less. The first run was for the detection of 8 main foodborne pathogens in 5 stool specimens within 2 hours and the second run was for the detection of other unusual suspect pathogens within a further 45 minutes. After 2 to 4 days, the causative agents were isolated and identified. The results proved that for comprehensive and rapid molecular diagnosis in foodborne outbreaks, Duplex SG-PCR assay is not only very useful, but is also economically viable for one-step differentiation of causative pathogens in fecal specimens obtained from symptomatic patients. This then allows for effective diagnosis and management of foodborne outbreaks.
authors.affiliation: Shimane Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environmental Science, 582-1 Nishihamasada, Matsue City, Shimane 690-0122, Japan.
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fukushima
authors.forename: Kazunori
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Katsube
authors.forename: Yoshie
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tsunomori
authors.forename: Ryoko
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kishi
authors.forename: Junko
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Atsuta
authors.forename: Yuko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Akiba