Correlation between quantitative PCR and culture-based methods for measuring Enterococcus spp. over various temporal scales at three California marine beaches.

ABSTRACT: Several studies have examined how fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) measurements compare between quantitative PCR (qPCR) and the culture methods it is intended to replace. Here, we extend those studies by examining the stability of that relationship within a beach, as affected by time of day and seasonal variations in source. Enterococcus spp. were quantified at three southern California beaches in the morning and afternoon using two qPCR assays, membrane filtration, and defined-substrate testing. While qPCR and culture-based measurements were consistently and significantly correlated, strength of the correlation varied both among and within beaches. Correlations were higher in the morning (0.45 < ρ < 0.74 [P < 0.002]) than in the afternoon (0.18 < ρ < 0.45 [P < 0.021]) and higher when the fe

SUBMITTER: Converse RR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3273013 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature