COMPARISON OF MULTIPLEX PCR AND STANDARD BACTERIOLOGICAL METHODS OF DETECTING SALMONELLA ON CHICKEN SKIN

A multiplex PCR technique was compared with standard bacteriological t echniques for the detection of Salmonella, and Salm. enteritidis in pa rticular, in samples of chicken skin obtained from retail outlets. Fiv e of 68 samples were positive by both systems (7.4%), 58 of 68 were ne gative by both systems (85%), five were positive by PCR only (7.4%) bu t none were positive by culture only. The PCR was quicker and more sen sitive than the bacteriological methods, finding 15% of samples positi ve for Salmonella compared to 7.4%, and taking less than 24 h to reach a result as opposed to 2-3 d.