Application of fluorescent substrate for fast and specific detection of Staphylococcus aureus in milk

Proof of Concept, Innovation Fund of the Republic of Serbia, 5449, 2020-2021
Principal Investigator: Dr Maja Gvozdenov
Participants from IMGGE: Dr Valentina Djordjevic, dr Milan Kojic 

Staphylococcus aureus is coagulase-positive staphylococci, recognized as foodborne pathogenic bacteria causing infections in humans and one of the most important pathogens in veterinary medicine, thus representing a serious burden for public healthcare system, as well as an economic and animal welfare issue in dairy farming.

This project is focused on livestock-associated S. aureus, which is one of the most prevalent causes of mastitis in dairy cattle. If not detected on time, infection could result in considerable economic losses and contaminated dairy products. Thus, it is of paramount importance to ensure rapid, highly sensitive and specific method for S. aureus detection, which would enable better livestock health and improvement of quality control procedures during manufacturing process. The current referent methods for detection of S. aureus (ISO-6888-1, ISO-6888-2) are specific, but time consuming, with up to 4 days needed to obtain results.

Our technology development design will provide the innovative approach for S. aureus detection in milk, based on the interaction of S. aureus with specific substrates, resulting in fluorescent signal. Successfully proven concept will set the stage for development of reliable, rapid, easy-applicable and cost-effective test for S. aureus detection in milk, with potential for application in other dairy products analysis.