Full Description

The classical cultivation techniques used for the detection of waterborne pathogenic bacteria are often unspecific, insensitive and time consuming. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been proposed as an alternative technique for the rapid and specific detection of these bacteria in water. This paper deals with new developments in the PCR technique. A protocol which includes concentration of the water sample, a non selective pre-enrichment step and an improved purification of bacterial DNA concentrates, is described. Based on the study of the occurrence of Salmonella, enterohemorragic Escherichia coli (supposed to be present at low levels in fecally contaminated water) and Aeromonas hydrophila (often present in large concentrations in most water bodies) as models, the limits of PCR for selectively detecting viable bacteria are discussed.

Product Details

Published: 01/01/1997 ISBN(s): 0898679583 Number of Pages: 10 File Size: 1 file , 170 KB