Immunochemical detection methods for Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes in foods.

Immunochemical assays should prove to be a significant improvement over standard culture methods for the detection of foodborne pathogens. These techniques take advantage of the specificity and sensitivity of the antibody/antigen reaction for analyte detection. ELISA is the most useful form of immunochemical method for the detection of foodborne pathogens in the food-processing setting, based on their simplicity and ability to analyze large numbers of samples at a time. Concerns with immunochemical techniques include problems with cross-reactivity and difficulties obtaining species specific assays. Also, most immunochemical methods continue to require an enrichment technique; however, subsequent identification is quite rapid when compared with standard culture methods, therefore allowing for the quicker release of negative products.