Development of a PMA‐LAMP visual detection assay for viable Cronobacter sakazakii

Abstract

Cronobacter sakazakii in powdered infant formula (PIF) can infect infants with a mortality rate of up to 80%. In this study, a propidium monoazide–loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (PMA‐LAMP) assay was developed for fast and cost‐effective visual detection of viable C. sakazakii. The detection could be finished in 75 min and the results could be identified by the naked eye. The detection limits of the assay were as low as 1.2 × 101 cfu/mL and 1.2 × 102 cfu/mL for gel electrophoresis and naked eyes respectively. Finally, the assay also showed good reliability in the artificially contaminated PIF.