Viability dyes quantitative PCR (vPCR) assays targeting foodborne pathogens - scientific prospecting (2010–2022)

This prospective review aims to map published assays using viability dyes combined with qPCR (vPCR) to detect viable cells or capsid integrity of pathogens, focusing on food analysis. Studies in the period 2010–2022 were identified in web databases. This scientific foresight study summarizes information on the number of publications, vPCR assays carried out in recent years, and the main target foodborne pathogen species. When using the search terms ("viability dyes" OR "PMA") AND "quantitative PCR" AND "Foodborne pathogens", 441 documents were found, of which 288 scientific articles. Among the scientific articles in our search using these keywords, 58 articles refer to the vPCR use for foodborne pathogens detection. Scientific papers on vPCR assays primarily target the following foodborne pathogens: Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Bacillus cereus, and Cronobacter sakazakii, which pose problems for food safety and public health. Challenges for vPCR assay are the optimization of intercalating dye concentration and light exposure conditions for different food matrices. The interference of non-target microorganisms should be considered for food samples containing high microorganisms load.