RESUMO
AIMS: To compare PCR combined with enrichment media with the standard microbiological techniques (SMT) and to determine the most sensitive method for the detection of Salmonella and the identification of Salm. typhimurium (ST), Salm. enteritidis (SE), Salm. gallinarum (SG) and Salm. pullorum (SP). METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed 87 samples from poultry using PCR and SMT, PCR being performed from non-selective (NS) and Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) media. PCR-NS was less sensitive than PCR-RV and SMT for the detection and identification of Salmonella. PCR-RV detected more positive samples of Salmonella sp. than SMT but both these methods showed similar sensitivity regarding the identification of Salmonella serovars. CONCLUSIONS: PCR-RV was more sensitive and decreased the time necessary to detect and identify Salmonella. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: PCR-RV is a powerful tool for the rapid and accurate detection and identification of Salmonella and can be implemented in diagnostic and food analysis laboratories.
