The Utilization of Tangential Flow Ultrafiltration and qPCR/RT-qPCR for the Simultaneous Collection and Analysis of Source Waters for Pathogenic Free Living Amoebae and Enteric Viruses

摘要

Tangential flow ultrafiltration, (TFU), was incorporated by the Water Quality Laboratory of the Southern Nevada Water Authority to monitor various water samples for pathogenic microorganisms. The use of TFU allows the laboratory to combine three sampling events, virus, bacteria and amoeba, into a single sampling event. The TFU collected samples were then analyzed by qPCR or RT-qPCR for enteric viruses and pathogenic free living amoeba (PFLA). The detection target objective of 10 PFU/L for coxsackievirus B3, human rotavirus and adenovirus 40 was achieved. The detection target objective of 10 cells/L for Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba polyphaga and Balamuthia mandrillaris was achieved. Sampling and analysis of environmental waters influencing SNWA’s potable water source by TFU/qPCR/RT-qPCR occurred over a two year period. Both enteric viruses and pathogenic free living amoebae, (PFLA), were detected during this time period.