Development and optimization of immunomagnetic bead separation-convective PCR (IMBS-CPCR) for on-site detection of four common Vibrio species in aquaculture

Foodborne infectious diseases, particularly those caused by pathogenic Vibrio species in aquaculture, are a significant concern in the field of seafood safety. They not only hinder the economic development of the industry but also pose a major threat to public health. Traditional detection methods are often too slow, insensitive, or impractical for portable use, highlighting the urgent need for a sensitive, on-site detection method for Vibrio that prioritizes convenience and speed. This study developed a visual IMBS-CPCR method for the detection of four common pathogenic Vibrio species: Vibrio alginolyticus , Vibrio anguillarum , Vibrio fluvialis , and Vibrio harveyi . The method achieved high capture rates for target bacteria (82.6%–83.3%) and low capture rates for non-target bacteria (below 11%), demonstrating good sensitivity by detecting bacteria at concentrations as low as 10 CFU/mL. Optimal amplification conditions were determined for each species, with specificity tests confirming that only target bacteria produced amplification bands. Sensitivity tests revealed detection limits of 10 1 CFU/mL for V. alginolyticus , V. anguillarum , and V. fluvialis , and 10 2 CFU/mL for V. harveyi . The combined techniques improved detection sensitivity in simulated fish samples by 10–100 fold compared to direct CPCR or PCR methods. • Presenting a novel approach for rapid on-site detection of Vibrio in aquatic organisms. • Application of IMBs significantly enhances the detection sensitivity and lowers the detection limit of Vibrio. • Optimized conditions based on IMBs and CPCR methods. • A combination of IMBs and CPCR effectively detects Vibrio infections in simulated fish populations. • Contributing to the development of the aquaculture industry.