Researchers are working to develop an accurate an effective method of detecting E. coli that could be applied earlier on, potentially saving the cattle industry millions of dollars every year.
A research team identified a molecular assay that can "detect and quantify" the genes specific for E. coli, a Kansas State University news release reported.
"Developing a method to detect E. coli before it can potentially contaminate the food supply benefits the beef industry by preventing costly recalls but also benefits the consumer by ensuring the safety of the beef supply," Lance Noll, master's student in veterinary biomedical science, said in the news release.
A molecular assay (polymerase chain reaction) detects bacteria by looking at its genetic sequence, which is equivalent to its "fingerprint."
The new method is quicker and easier than current E. coli detection methods, it can be automated and many tests can be performed in a short period of time.
"The novelty of this test is that it targets four genes. We are constantly working on finding better and more sensitive ways to detect these pathogens of E. coli in cattle feces." T.G. Nagaraja, university distinguished professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology said in the news release.
In order to develop the diagnostic test the researchers Noll and Nagaraja worked with two Kansas State University molecular biologists: Jianfa Bai and Xiaorong Shi.
"Beef cattle production is a major industry in Kansas and Kansas State University has a rich tradition in the research of beef cattle production and beef safety," Noll said. "As a graduate student in veterinary biomedical sciences, I am proud to be a member of a multidisciplinary team in the College of Veterinary Medicine that aims to make beef a safe product for the consumers."
The project was titled "A four-plex real-time PCR assay for the detection and quantification of Escherichia coli O157 in cattle feces."
