SIMULTANEOUS DETECTION OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA IN WATERUSING NESTED-PCR

摘要

The classical cultivation techniques used for the detection of waterbornernpathogenic bacteria are often unspecific, unsensitive, and time consuming. PCRrn(polymerase chain reaction) has been proposed as an alternative technique for thernrapid and specific detection of these bacteria in water. This paper deals with newrndevelopments of this approach. A protocol which includes concentration of the waterrnsample, a non selective pre-enrichment step and an improved purification of bacterialrnDNA concentrates is described. Based on the study of the occurrence of Salmonella,rnenterohemorragic Escherichia coli (EHEC) (supposed to be present at low levels inrnfecally contamined water) and Aeromonas hydrophila (often present in largernconcentrations in most water bodies) as models, the limits of PCR for selectivelyrndetecting viable bacteria are discussed.