Validation of high-resolution melting assays for the detection of virulent strains of Escherichia coli O26 and O111 in beef and pork enrichment broths

Extensive validation of diagnostic assays using widely collected surveillance samples is critical for developing pathogen detection assays. The potentially virulent E. coli strains to the red meat industry. We previously developed two high-resolution melting (HRM) detecting and avirulent O26 O111 strains. Assays were validated enriched beef (n = 36) pork as part a U.S. federal regulatory program. Data from this study showed more than 90% sensitivity specificity both HRM assays, demonstrating suitability industry agencies.