Comparative evaluation of UNEX-based DNA extraction for molecular detection of Cyclospora cayetanensis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Cryptosporidium parvum as contaminants of berries.

Comparative evaluation of UNEX-based DNA extraction for molecular detection of Cyclospora cayetanensis, Toxoplasma gondii, and Cryptosporidium parvum as contaminants of berries. Food Microbiol. 2020 Aug;89:103447 Authors: Temesgen TT, Barlaam A, Tysnes KR, Robertson LJ Abstract The potential public health impact of foodborne parasites (FBP) transmitted via contaminated fresh produces indicates the necessity for robust and reliable laboratory methods for their detection and identification on this infection vehicle. Standardization of methods for detection of common FBP in fresh produce is to be expected and ensuring that the DNA extraction approach is most appropriate for the FBP of interest and for the matrix being analyzed is also important. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of two commercially available DNA extraction procedures, the UNEX-based method and DNeasy PowerSoil kit in the detection of three protozoan parasites, C. cayetanensis, C. parvum, and T. gondii, on contaminated berries. Oocysts of each parasite were spiked into the pellets of raspberry and blueberry washes. The spiked pellets were then randomly assigned to DNA extraction using either the PowerSoil or UNEX method, with DNA extraction with both methods performed by two independent analysts. The detection rate when berry washes were spiked with 20 oocysts of C. cayetanensis, T. gondii, and C. parvum was 95%, 85%, and 40%, respective...
Source: Food Microbiology - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: Food Microbiol Source Type: research