Modified polymerase chain reaction and selective media methods for detection of Helicobacter pylori in pork loin chops

Selective media, and a modified polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were evalua ted for use in the detection and enumeration of Helicobacter pylori in pork loin chops. The chops were treated with tap water, or H. pylori-ATCC 43504 , packaged in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film (7 days), or vacuum packaged (2 4 days), stored at 2C, and analyzed for survival of H. pylori. Modifying th e amplification cycles and annealing temperature of the PCR resulted in det ection of H. Pylori on inoculated chops. Helicobacter pylori survived for 5 , and 10 days on the PVC, and vacuum packaged chops, respectively. Skirrow agar was the most effective medium, when compared to blood agar, and egg yo lk emulsion agar.