Immunosensors for rapid detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 -: Perspectives for use in the meat processing industry

This review critically evaluates different types of immunosensors proposed for rapid identification of Escherichia coli 0 157: H7. The methods are compared with approved USDA-FSIS standard procedures for determination of this pathogen in raw or ready-to-cat meat products. Major advantages and disadvantages for each method are highlighted. Our analysis suggests that application of immunosensors in the meat-processing industry may be limited to identification of uncontaminated samples after conventional selective enrichment in broth. Use for detection appears limited at the present time. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.