Application of propidium monoazide-qPCR to evaluate the ultrasonic inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fresh-cut vegetable wash water

► Real-time PCR (qPCR) assays cannot distinguish between DNA from dead and live cells. ► DNA binding molecules allow specific detection of viable cells. ► PMA-qPCR was able to specifically detect viable cells in pure cultures and food samples. ► Power ultrasound has been successfully applied for microbial decontamination. ► PMA-qPCR results correlate precisely with plate counts of ultrasound treated water samples.