Abstract: Oligonucleotide probes are provided that are capable of hybridizing to different target nucleic acid sequences in a temperature-dependent manner allowing for detection of more than one target sequence by the same probe or by different probes having reporter labels with identical or similar detection characteristics. Also provided is a method for detecting target nucleic acid sequences using an oligonucleotide probe capable of hybridizing to the sequences in a temperature-dependent manner or using different probes having reporter labels with identical or similar detection characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for specifically detecting pathogenic Campylobacter species in a complex sample. The target pathogenic Campylobacter species can be Campylobacter jejuni or Campylobacter coli. The complex sample can be a food sample, water sample, or selectively enriched food matrix. The method of detection utilizes PCR amplification with, or without, an internal positive control, and appropriate primer pairs. Multiple species can be detected in the same reaction. The reagents necessary to perform the method can be supplied as a kit and/or in tablet form.