Comparison of Enterococcus density estimates in marine beach and bay samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction, membrane filtration and defined substrate testing

Ferretti, James A.; Tran, Hiep V.; Cosgrove, Elizabeth; Protonentis, John; Loftin, Virginia; Conklin, Carol S.; Grant, Robert N.

Comparison of Enterococcus density estimates in marine beach and bay samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction, membrane filtration and defined substrate testing

2011

Currently, densities of Enterococcus in marine bathing beach samples are performed using conventional methods which require 24h to obtain results. Real-time PCR methods are available which can measure results in as little as 3h. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a more rapid test method for the determination of bacterial contamination in marine bathing beaches to better protect human health. The geometric mean of Enterococcus densities using Enterolert® defined substrate testing and membrane filtration ranged from 5.2 to 150MPN or CFU/100mL and corresponding qPCR results ranged from 6.6 to 1785CCE/100mL. The regression analysis of these results showed a positive correlation between qPCR and conventional tests with an overall correlation (r) of 0.71. qPCR was found to provide accurate and sensitive estimate of Enterococcus densities and has the potential to be used as a rapid test method for the quantification of Enterococcus in marine waters.

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