Multi-Centered Field Evaluation of a Salmonella spp. Point-of-Care PCR Assay Using Equine Feces and Environmental Samples.
Authors: Pusterla Nicola, Naranatt Pramod, Swadia Himani, Winfield Laramie, Hartwig Ashley, Barnum Samantha, Mendonsa Eric
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Point-of-Care PCR Testing for Equine Salmonella Detection Rapid diagnosis of salmonellosis in horses remains challenging when samples must be sent to external laboratories, delaying treatment decisions and infection control measures during potential nosocomial outbreaks. Researchers evaluated a novel microfluidic card-based PCR assay against conventional qPCR methodology across 143 faecal and 132 environmental samples collected at multiple equine facilities, with all samples cultured in selenite broth and tested targeting the invA and ttrC genes of *Salmonella enterica*. The POC assay demonstrated strong diagnostic agreement with qPCR—88.1% concordance for faecal samples and 97.0% for environmental swabs—whilst delivering results within hours rather than days. For equine practitioners, this technology offers immediate on-site confirmation of salmonellosis to inform treatment protocols and biosecurity decisions, alongside the capacity to efficiently screen stable environments and detect shedding before clinical signs emerge. The clinical and epidemiological advantages are particularly significant in hospital settings where rapid pathogen identification directly impacts patient isolation protocols and staff safety procedures.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Equine veterinarians can now diagnose salmonellosis rapidly in-hospital using POC PCR, enabling faster clinical decision-making and isolation protocols
- •The high accuracy (especially 97% for environmental samples) makes this tool reliable for monitoring barn environments and detecting nosocomial contamination to reduce disease spread
- •Rapid turnaround time eliminates delays associated with sending samples to external labs, allowing real-time assessment during disease outbreaks or suspect cases
Key Findings
- •POC PCR assay showed 88.1% agreement with qPCR for fecal samples (143 samples tested)
- •POC PCR assay showed 97.0% agreement with qPCR for environmental samples (132 samples tested)
- •POC PCR assay provides rapid results with short turnaround time suitable for hospital point-of-care testing
- •Microfluidic card technology targeting invA and ttrC genes enables Salmonella detection without requiring samples to be sent to external diagnostic laboratories