A comparison of ELISA and real-time PCR kits for meat species identification analysis

Along with an increasing population and global demand, the need for meat and meat products is gradually rising. In recent years, consumer preference is for safe and halal-compliant food produce. Accordingly, this study investigated and compared the sensitivity of DNA-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and protein-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis (ELISA) methods through the detection of 33 beef and 30 pork products. The identification success of both ELISA and real-time PCR methods was determined to be 100% (33/33) in the beef analysis. However, although real-time PCR yielded 100% positive results in pork analyses, only 63.7% (30/19) positive results were observed using ELISA. While all of the real-time PCR and ELISA results for the 33 Beef (salami, sausage, and fermented sausage) samples were positive and the real-time PCR results for 30 pork samples were positive for all samples, ELISA was negative for 3 pork sausages, 5 pork salami and 3 pork ham samples. On the other hand, when both systems were evaluated in terms of time, cost, and ease of use, it was seen that ELISA analyses were less time-consuming, easier, and more economical, but real-time PCR testing was more sensitive. As a result, there is a need for methods that are both highly sensitive, inexpensive, and easily applicable.

Automated summary

The study compared the sensitivity of DNA-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and protein-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent analysis (ELISA) methods for meat product detection. While both methods showed 100% success rate in detecting beef products, real-time PCR was more accurate in detecting pork products. ELISA was found to be less time-consuming, easier, and more economical compared to real-time PCR.