Selective quantification of viable Escherichia coli bacteria in biosolids by quantitative PCR with propidium monoazide modification.

ABSTRACT: Quantitative differentiation of live cells in biosolids samples, without the use of culturing-based approaches, is highly critical from a public health risk perspective, as recent studies have shown significant regrowth and reactivation of indicator organisms. Persistence of DNA in the environment after cell death in the range of days to weeks limits the application of DNA-based approaches as a measure of live cell density. Using selective nucleic acid intercalating dyes like ethidium monoazide (EMA) and propidium monoazide (PMA) is one of the alternative approaches to detecting and quantifying viable cells by quantitative PCR. These compounds have the ability to penetrate only into dead cells with compromised membrane integrity and intercalate with DNA via their photoinducible azide group

SUBMITTER: Taskin B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3127682 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature