Quantification of total and specific gram-negative histamine-producing bacteria species in fish using an MPN real-time PCR method

► Quantification of total and specific histamine-producing bacteria in fish by MPN RTi-PCR. ► Assay was 100% inclusive for detecting specific histamine-producing bacteria (HPB) species. ► The assays accurately quantified total and specific HPB in spiked and decomposed fish samples.