ENTEROCOCCUS AND FECAL BACTEROIDES FOR RAPID WATER QUALITY ASSESSMENT

摘要

The present invention is drawn to methods and compositions for the rapid assessment of fecal indicator bacteria in a sample. Provided herein are novel primer and probe compositions for use in detecting the presence of these organisms in a sample, particularly using quantitative PCR methods. Provided herein are novel oligonucleotide primers and probes, including the primers set forth in SEQ ID NOS: 1- 4, 7 and 8, the novel oligonucleotide probe sequences set forth in SEQ ID N0S:5, 6, and 9, and methods for using these primers and probes for the detection and/or quantification of fecal indicator bacteria, particularly Enterococcus spp. and fecal Bacteroides spp., or a specimen processing control, in a sample.