DETECTION OF SALMONELLA IN ANIMAL PROTEIN BY RAPPAPORT-VASSILIADIS BROTH USING INDIRECT IMPEDIOMETRY

Indirect impedance methodology for the detection of Salmonella was investigated using a rapid automated bacterial impedance technique (RABIT) system. Four commercially available Rappaport-Vassiliadis (RV) enrichment broths were evaluated for their sensitivity and selectivity in detecting Salmonella using this technique. The RV from Lab M and Oxoid (new) gave the shortest detection times and showed good correlation between Salmonella numbers and detection times. Using Lab M medium, the indirect impedance technique could distinguish between Salmonella spp. and the closely related genera, Proteus and Citrobacter. The impedance technique showed recoveries of Salmonella from processed animal protein and raw meats equivalent to, or better than, those obtained with RV used in a conventional Salmonella isolation procedure.