Production and characterization of a monoclonal antibody against recombinant thermolabile hemolysin and its application to screen for Vibrio parahaemolyticus contamination in raw seafood

► We generated a monoclonal antibody against recombinant thermolabile hemolysin (TLH). ► The ELISA (TLH-ELISA) using this monoclonal antibody was established. ► TLH-ELISA demonstrated that all V. parahaemolyticus strains tested produce TLH. ► The screening method using TLH-ELISA was devised to ensure food safety. ► The method could check for contamination of the bacterium in seafood within 24 h.