An inexpensive and reliable method for rapid Vibrio detection, which quantifies levels of dangerous pathogenic and harmless non-pathogenic Vibrio strains. The assay more accurately assesses pathogenic Vibrio risk levels throughout the seafood consumption lifecycle.
Overview
Pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus bacteria (Vibrio) infect shellfish and induce severe food-borne illnesses when ingested by humans. Though few cases result in death, Vibrio infections represent a significant liability for the seafood industry both in terms of public health risks and as lost revenue. Current detection methods are unreliable, time consuming and expensive, or fail to discriminate between harmless (non-pathogenic) and dangerous (pathogenic) Vibrio strains. Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have developed a novel tiered genetic analysis method to differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains. The new patent-pending test more accurately assesses Vibrio-related risks and can be used throughout the lifecycle of seafood, including harvesting, processing, distribution, and consumption. This distinction can benefit several markets by providing more accurate risk assessment for food inspectors, producers, wholesalers, and retailers; or provide more accurate public health information to researchers, the government, and regulatory agencies. The diagnostic test can be used in a traditional laboratory setting and can be adapted as a field testing kit.
Benefits
- Flexible technology platform adaptable for field testing kit and traditional lab setting
- Quantify levels of harmful and harmless Vibrio strains for more accurate risk assessment
- Inexpensive and reliable alternative to traditional method
Applications
- Diagnostic field test kit
- Food safety testing
- Epidemiological monitoring and predictive modeling tool
Intellectual Property Status
PCT/US2016/021089
Dr. Cheryl Whistler is an Associate Professor in the Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences Department at the University of New Hampshire. She is also the director of the Northeast Center for Vibrio Disease and Ecology at UNH and has received funding from the NIH, NSF, USDA/NH Agricultural Experiment Station, and the NH Sea Grant College Program for this research. Dr. Whistler earned a Ph.D. from Oregon State University, specializing in beneficial bacterial-host interaction.
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