Detection of Salmonella spp. in milk by using Felix-O1 bacteriophage and high-pressure liquid chromatography

Abstract

A method is described whereby the presence of less than five salmonellae was detected per milliliter of milk within 24 h of sample collection. Salmonellae were removed from milk by means of electropositive large-pore filters. Eluates from the filters were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella spp. by Felix-O1 bacteriophage and high-pressure liquid chromatographic techniques. The method gave only a positive response when salmonellae were present in the milk. Of the serotypes and strains of Salmonella spp. tested, Salmonella dublin (10 strains), Salmonella typhimurium (5 strains), Salmonella anatum, Salmonella krefeld, and Salmonella saint-paul gave positive responses. One strain of Salmonella agona (3 strains tested) and 3 strains of Salmonella enteritidis (7 strains tested) were not detectable by the method described herein.