Detection of human-derived fecal pollution in environmental waters by use of a PCR-based human polyomavirus assay.

ABSTRACT: Regulatory agencies mandate the use of fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli or Enterococcus spp., as microbial indicators of recreational water quality. These indicators of fecal pollution do not identify the specific sources of pollution and at times underestimate health risks associated with recreational water use. This study proposes the use of human polyomaviruses (HPyVs), which are widespread among human populations, as indicators of human fecal pollution. A method was developed to concentrate and extract HPyV DNA from environmental water samples and then to amplify it by nested PCR. HPyVs were detected in as little as 1 microl of sewage and were not amplified from dairy cow or pig wastes. Environmental water samples were screened for the presence of HPyVs and two additional markers of h

SUBMITTER: McQuaig SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1694258 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature