Multiplex PCR with 16S rRNA gene-targeted primers of bifidobacterium spp. to identify sources of fecal pollution.
Bifidobacteria are one of the most common bacterial types found in the intestines of humans and other animals and may be used as indicators of human fecal pollution. The presence of nine human-related Bifidobacterium species was analyzed in human and animal wastewater samples of different origins by using species-specific primers based on 16S rRNA sequences. Only B. adolescentis and B. dentium were found exclusively in human sewage. A multiplex PCR approach with strain-specific primers was developed. The method showed a sensitivity threshold of 10 cells/ml. This new molecular method could provide useful information for the characterization of fecal pollution sources.
Bonjoch
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Departament de Microbiologia, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
Ballesté
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Blanch
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AR
D000818:Animals; D001644:Bifidobacterium / Q000145:classification* / Q000235:genetics; D017931:DNA Primers; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal / Q000032:analysis; D005243:Feces / Q000382:microbiology*; D020459:Genes, rRNA; D006801:Humans; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / Q000235:genetics*; D012722:Sewage / Q000382:microbiology; D013045:Species Specificity; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014876:Water Pollution; D018508:Water Purification
D017931:DNA Primers; D004275:DNA, Ribosomal; D012336:RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; D012722:Sewage