Researchers at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) have made a significant breakthrough in ensuring food safety by developing a rapid and cost-effective method to detect harmful bacteria in food. This new technique can identify the presence of Bacillus cereus, a harmful bacterium responsible for various foodborne illnesses, within just 90 minutes.
Innovative LAMP Technique
Led by Associate Professor Dr. Mohammad Atiqul Haque from the Microbiology Department, the research team has introduced a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) based testing method. This technique is significantly faster and more sensitive than traditional PCR tests, which can take 3 to 5 hours and require expensive equipment.
The LAMP method can be performed using simple equipment like a water bath or heating block, making it accessible for widespread use. The cost per test is approximately $2.50, making it a feasible option for resource-limited settings.
Widespread Contamination
The research revealed that nearly 80% of the samples tested contained at least one toxin gene from Bacillus cereus. The highest contamination was found in animal feed, followed by milk and eggs. This indicates that the bacterium is more prevalent in Bangladesh's food system than previously thought.
Potential Applications
Dr. Haque highlighted that this technology could be crucial for government food testing laboratories, veterinary diagnostic centers, dairy and poultry industries, and mobile outbreak investigation teams. The researchers plan to conduct large-scale sample collection and monitoring studies across the country and develop a multiplex LAMP technology to detect multiple toxin genes in a single test.
Need for Funding
Despite the promising results, the research team noted that insufficient funding has limited the scope of their studies. They emphasized the need for financial support to expand the use of this technology in more regions and food products, ultimately strengthening food safety monitoring in Bangladesh.
