Simultaneous detection of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella by multiplex PCR in cooked ham

A multiplex PCR (m-PCR) assay with an internal amplification control (IAC) was developed for the simultaneous detection of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes through invA and prfA genes, respectively. To ensure the detection of the pathogens in cooked ham, samples were enriched in both buffered peptone-water and Half Fraser broth. Subsequently, equal volumes of enrichment broths were mixed and DNA purification was performed prior to m-PCR reaction, saving considerable time and effort. The m-PCR also proved to be very useful as a simple and ready-to-go method for simultaneous confirmation of presumptive L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. colonies directly from agar plates without any DNA extraction steps. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.