Title: Application of real-time qPCR method for detection of Salmonella spp. in shrimp and scallop and its partial validation

Salmonella is one of the major causes of foodborne infection in humans, referred to as salmonellosis. It is common worldwide and widespread in fisheries products of Bangladesh because of poor post-harvest handling. The conventional microbiological detection methods of Salmonella require more time and need many tests for the confirmation of pathogenicity. Therefore, the requirement for more rapid and conformatory methods of Salmonella detection becomes apparent. The purpose of this study was to apply the real-time qPCR (Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) method for detection of Salmonella spp. in shrimp (Pandalus borealis) and scallop (Chlamys islandica), which is more convenient and less time consuming than conventional microbiological methods. In addition, its partial validation will be developed further for routine analysis of shrimp and fish. PCR and real-time qPCR were initially tested and compared with pure culture of seven Salmonella spp. Each detection method was tested using artificially contaminated shrimp and scallop samples. The method validation of the real-time PCR method was performed according to ISO 17025 in contrast to qualitative, quantitative and reliability criteria of validation. The sensitivity of the real-time PCR, as well as the decreased time requirements of this detection method, would suggest its usefulness in commercial laboratory practices.