Use of quantitative real-time PCR for direct detection of serratia marcescens in marine and other aquatic environments.

ABSTRACT: Serratia marcescens is the etiological agent of acroporid serratiosis, a distinct form of white pox disease in the threatened coral Acropora palmata. The pathogen is commonly found in untreated human waste in the Florida Keys, which may contaminate both nearshore and offshore waters. Currently there is no direct method for detection of this bacterium in the aquatic or reef environment, and culture-based techniques may underestimate its abundance in marine waters. A quantitative real-time PCR assay was developed to detect S. marcescens directly from environmental samples, including marine water, coral mucus, sponge tissue, and wastewater. The assay targeted the luxS gene and was able to distinguish S. marcescens from other Serratia species with a reliable quantitative limit of detection of

SUBMITTER: Joyner J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3957607 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature