Duplex PCR for the detection of Salmonella spp. and Salmonella Typhimurium in fresh coconut milk

Fresh coconut milk is one of the main ingredients in most of the Malaysian cuisines. However, not many reports been published about Salmonella spp. in fresh coconut milk to date. The objective of this study was to investigate the preponderance and concentration of Salmonella spp. and Salmonella Typhimurium in fresh coconut milk in hypermarket and wet market level all around Senawang, Seremban and Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan. A total of 120 samples of fresh coconut milk was obtained from hypermarkets and wet markets. The fresh coconut milk samples were collected from 1st March 2014 until 31st July 2014. Sampling area was done on the fresh coconut milk and proceeds with MPN-PCR methods. There is much difference between the prevalence of Salmonella spp. (74.2%) and Salmonella Typhimurium (29.2%) in hypermarket and wet market. The wet market at Seremban and Senawang was recorded as the highest prevalence of Salmonella spp. with 85%. Then, the presence of the Salmonella Typhimurium at the wet market have resulted 50.0%. The presence of Salmonella spp. (74.2%) is higher than S. Typhimurium (29.2%) which depends on the survival of the bacteria itself. Salmonella spp. has difference of pathogenicity to each other. Salmonella Enteritidis was not a selected host to survive, such as humans and many animals to grow but for the Salmonella Typhimurium, it is very selected to host and only certain animals like cattle, cow and farm (C) All Rights Reserved