scholarly journals Utility of a PCR-based method for rapid and specific detection of toxigenic Microcystis spp. in farm ponds

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 369-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Yuan ◽  
Hyun-Joong Kim ◽  
Christopher T. Filstrup ◽  
Baoqing Guo ◽  
Paula Imerman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Analytical Sensitivity ◽  
Water Safety ◽  
Farm Ponds ◽  
Pcr Method

Microcystis is a widespread freshwater cyanobacterium that can produce microcystin, a potent hepatotoxin harmful to animals and humans. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor for the presence of toxigenic Microcystis spp. to provide early warning of potential microcystin contamination. Microscopy, which has been used traditionally to identify Microcystis spp., cannot differentiate toxigenic from non-toxigenic Microcystis. We developed a PCR-based method to detect toxigenic Microcystis spp. based on detection of the microcystin synthetase C ( mcyC) gene and 16S rRNA gene. Specificity was validated against toxic and nontoxic M. aeruginosa strains, as well as 4 intergeneric freshwater cyanobacterial strains. Analytical sensitivity was as low as 747 fg/µL genomic DNA (or 3 cells/µL) for toxic M. aeruginosa. Furthermore, we tested 60 water samples from 4 farm ponds providing drinking water to swine facilities in the midwestern United States using this method. Although all water samples were positive for Microcystis spp. (i.e., 16S rRNA gene), toxigenic Microcystis spp. were detected in only 34 samples (57%). Seventeen water samples contained microcystin (0.1–9.1 μg/L) determined with liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, of which 14 samples (82%) were positive for mcyC. A significant correlation was found between the presence of toxigenic Microcystis spp. and microcystin in water samples ( p = 0.0004). Our PCR method can be a low-cost molecular tool for rapid and specific identification of toxigenic Microcystis spp. in farm ponds, improving detection of microcystin contamination, and ensuring water safety for farm animals.

Helicobacter pylori in water systems for human use in Mexico City

2001 ◽  
Vol 43 (12) ◽  
pp. 93-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Mazari-Hiriart ◽  
Y. López-Vidal ◽  
J. J. Calva
Keyword(s):  
Helicobacter Pylori ◽  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Mexico City ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Treated Wastewater ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
H Pylori ◽  
System 1

Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with peptic ulcers and gastric cancer in humans. Transmission of H. pylori is still not certain with some epidemiological data suggesting water as a possible transmission route. The objective of this study was to detect H. pylori 16S rRNA gene in five water systems in the Mexico City area. Samples were taken between 1997 and 2000 from extraction wells (system 1), from dams used as water sources, both pre- and post-treatment (systems 2 and 3), treated wastewater (system 4) and non-treated wastewater (system 5). Detection of the H. pylori 16S rRNA gene in water samples was carried out using nested PCR in 139 water samples and confirmed by using cagA gene detection by PCR-hybridisation. The results showed the presence of H. pylori in 58 (42%) of the water samples in total with a prevalence of 68% in system 1, 100% in system 2, 0% in system 3, 17% in system 4 and 20% in system 5. This first stage showed the presence of H. pylori in the tested water systems; nevertheless, viability of the microorganism in water and vegetables needs to be confirmed as well as demonstration of a relationship between human and environmental strains.

scholarly journals Highly Specific Sewage-DerivedBacteroidesQuantitative PCR Assays Target Sewage-Polluted Waters

2019 ◽  
Vol 85 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuchen Feng ◽  
Sandra L. McLellan
Keyword(s):  
Population Structure ◽  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hypervariable Regions ◽  
Animal Hosts ◽  
Pcr Assays ◽  
The 16S Rrna Gene

ABSTRACTThe identification of sewage contamination in water has primarily relied on the detection of human-associatedBacteroidesusing markers within the V2 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Despite the establishment of multiple assays that target the HF183 cluster (i.e.,Bacteroides dorei) and otherBacteroidesorganisms (e.g.,Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron), the potential for more human-associated markers in this genus has not been explored in depth. We examined theBacteroidespopulation structure in sewage and animal hosts across the V4V5 and V6 hypervariable regions. Using near-full-length cloned sequences, we identified the sequences in the V4V5 and V6 hypervariable regions that are linked to the HF183 marker in the V2 region and found these sequences were present in multiple animals. In addition, the V4V5 and V6 regions contained human fecal marker sequences for organisms that were independent of the HF183 cluster. The most abundantBacteroidesin untreated sewage was not human associated but pipe derived. Two TaqMan quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays targeting the V4V5 and V6 regions of this organism were developed. Validation studies using fecal samples from seven animal hosts (n = 76) and uncontaminated water samples (n = 30) demonstrated the high specificity of the assays for sewage. FreshwaterBacteroideswere also identified in uncontaminated water samples, demonstrating that measures of totalBacteroidesdo not reflect fecal pollution. A comparison of two previously described humanBacteroidesassays (HB and HF183/BacR287) in municipal wastewater influent and sewage-contaminated urban water samples revealed identical results, illustrating the assays target the same organism. The detection of sewage-derivedBacteroidesprovided an independent measure of sewage-impacted waters.IMPORTANCEBacteroidesare major members of the gut microbiota, and host-specific organisms within this genus have been used extensively to gain information on pollution sources. This study provides a broad view of the population structure ofBacteroideswithin sewage to contextualize the well-studied HF183 marker for a human-associatedBacteroides. The study also delineates host-specific sequence patterns across multiple hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene to improve our ability to use sequence data to assess water quality. Here, we demonstrate that regions downstream of the HF183 marker are nonspecific but other potential human-associated markers are present. Furthermore, we show the most abundantBacteroidesin sewage is free living, rather than host associated, and specifically found in sewage. Quantitative PCR assays that target organisms specific to sewer pipes offer measures that are independent of the human microbiome for identifying sewage pollution in water.

scholarly journals Toolbox Approaches Using Molecular Markers and 16S rRNA Gene Amplicon Data Sets for Identification of Fecal Pollution in Surface Water

2015 ◽  
Vol 81 (20) ◽  
pp. 7067-7077 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Ahmed ◽  
C. Staley ◽  
M. J. Sadowsky ◽  
P. Gyawali ◽  
J. P. S. Sidhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Markers ◽  
Bacterial Community ◽  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
High Throughput Sequencing ◽  
Community Analysis ◽  
Fecal Pollution ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Potential Sources

ABSTRACTIn this study, host-associated molecular markers and bacterial 16S rRNA gene community analysis using high-throughput sequencing were used to identify the sources of fecal pollution in environmental waters in Brisbane, Australia. A total of 92 fecal and composite wastewater samples were collected from different host groups (cat, cattle, dog, horse, human, and kangaroo), and 18 water samples were collected from six sites (BR1 to BR6) along the Brisbane River in Queensland, Australia. Bacterial communities in the fecal, wastewater, and river water samples were sequenced. Water samples were also tested for the presence of bird-associated (GFD), cattle-associated (CowM3), horse-associated, and human-associated (HF183) molecular markers, to provide multiple lines of evidence regarding the possible presence of fecal pollution associated with specific hosts. Among the 18 water samples tested, 83%, 33%, 17%, and 17% were real-time PCR positive for the GFD, HF183, CowM3, and horse markers, respectively. Among the potential sources of fecal pollution in water samples from the river, DNA sequencing tended to show relatively small contributions from wastewater treatment plants (up to 13% of sequence reads). Contributions from other animal sources were rarely detected and were very small (<3% of sequence reads). Source contributions determined via sequence analysis versus detection of molecular markers showed variable agreement. A lack of relationships among fecal indicator bacteria, host-associated molecular markers, and 16S rRNA gene community analysis data was also observed. Nonetheless, we show that bacterial community and host-associated molecular marker analyses can be combined to identify potential sources of fecal pollution in an urban river. This study is a proof of concept, and based on the results, we recommend using bacterial community analysis (where possible) along with PCR detection or quantification of host-associated molecular markers to provide information on the sources of fecal pollution in waterways.

scholarly journals Analytical Sensitivity, Reproducibility of Results, and Clinical Performance of Five PCR Assays for Detecting Chlamydia pneumoniae DNA in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

2000 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 2622-2627 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. B. Mahony ◽  
S. Chong ◽  
B. K. Coombes ◽  
M. Smieja ◽  
A. Petrich
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Nested Pcr ◽  
Chlamydia Pneumoniae ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Analytical Sensitivity ◽  
Infected Cells ◽  
Pcr Assays ◽  
The 16S Rrna Gene

Chlamydia pneumoniae has been associated with atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD), and its DNA has been detected in atheromatous lesions of the aorta, carotid, and coronary arteries by a variety of PCR assays. The objective of this study was to compare the performances of five published PCR assays in the detection of C. pneumoniae in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with coronary artery disease. The assays included two conventional PCRs, one targeting a cloned PstI fragment and one targeting the 16S rRNA gene; two nested PCRs, one targeting the 16S rRNA gene and one targeting ompA; and a touchdown enzyme time release (TETR) PCR, targeting the 16S rRNA gene. All PCRs had similar analytical sensitivities and detected a minimum of 0.005 inclusion-forming units (IFU) of C. pneumoniae; the ompA nested PCR and the TETR PCR were slightly more sensitive and detected 0.001 IFU. Assay reproducibility was examined by testing 10 replicates of C. pneumoniae DNA by each assay. All five assays showed excellent reproducibility at high levels of DNA, with scores of 10 out of 10 for 0.01 IFU, but exhibited decreased reproducibility for smaller numbers of C. pneumoniae IFU for all tests. Pairwise comparison of test results indicated that there was a significant difference between tests (Cochran Q = 32.0, P < 0.001), with thePstI fragment (P < 0.001) and 16S rRNA (P = 0.002) assays having lower reproducibility than the nested ompA and TETR assays. To further analyze assay sensitivity, C. pneumoniae-infected U-937 mononuclear cells were added to whole blood, and extracted mononuclear-cell DNA was tested by each assay. All five assays showed similar sensitivities, detecting 15 infected cells; three assays detected 3 infected cells, while all assays were negative at the next dilution (1.5 infected cells). A striking difference in performance of the five assays was seen, however, when PBMCs from CAD patients were tested for C. pneumoniae DNA. The ompA nested PCR detected C. pneumoniae DNA in 11 of 148 (7.4%) specimens, the 16S rRNA nested PCR detected 2 positives among the 148 specimens (1.4%) (P < 0.001), and the other 3 assays detected no positive specimens (P < 0.001, compared with theompA assay). These results indicate that analytical sensitivity alone does not predict the ability of an assay to detectC. pneumoniae in whole-blood-derived PBMCs. Before standardized assays can be used in wide-scale epidemiological studies, further characterization of these assays will be required to improve our understanding of their performance in the detection of C. pneumoniae in clinical material.

scholarly journals Miniprimer PCR, a New Lens for Viewing the Microbial World

2007 ◽  
Vol 74 (3) ◽  
pp. 840-849 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas A. Isenbarger ◽  
Michael Finney ◽  
Carlos Ríos-Velázquez ◽  
Jo Handelsman ◽  
Gary Ruvkun
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Gene Sequence ◽  
Microbial Populations ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequences ◽  
Microbial World ◽  
Pcr Method ◽  
Environmental Sequences ◽  
The 16S Rrna Gene

ABSTRACT Molecular methods based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence are used widely in microbial ecology to reveal the diversity of microbial populations in environmental samples. Here we show that a new PCR method using an engineered polymerase and 10-nucleotide “miniprimers” expands the scope of detectable sequences beyond those detected by standard methods using longer primers and Taq polymerase. After testing the method in silico to identify divergent ribosomal genes in previously cloned environmental sequences, we applied the method to soil and microbial mat samples, which revealed novel 16S rRNA gene sequences that would not have been detected with standard primers. Deeply divergent sequences were discovered with high frequency and included representatives that define two new division-level taxa, designated CR1 and CR2, suggesting that miniprimer PCR may reveal new dimensions of microbial diversity.

Ochrobactrum pecoris sp. nov., isolated from farm animals

2011 ◽  
Vol 61 (9) ◽  
pp. 2278-2283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Kämpfer ◽  
Bettina Huber ◽  
Hans-Jürgen Busse ◽  
Holger C. Scholz ◽  
Herbert Tomaso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Sequence Similarity ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequencing ◽  
Ovis Aries ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Biochemical Tests ◽  
Ochrobactrum Intermedium ◽  
Rrna Gene Sequencing

Two Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming strains, designated 08RB2639T and 08RB2781-1, were isolated from a sheep (Ovis aries) and a domestic boar (Sus scrofa domestica), respectively. By 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the isolates revealed identical sequences and were shown to belong to the Alphaproteobacteria. They exhibited 97.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Ochrobactrum rhizosphaerae PR17T, O. pituitosum CCUG 50899T, O. tritici SCII24T and O. haematophilum CCUG 38531T and 97.4 % sequence similarity with O. cytisi ESC1T, O. anthropi LMG 3331T and O. lupini LUP21T. The recA gene sequences of the two isolates showed only minor differences (99.5 % recA sequence similarity), and strain 08RB2639T exhibited the highest recA sequence similarity with Ochrobactrum intermedium CCUG 24694T (91.3 %). The quinone system was ubiquinone Q-10, with minor amounts of Q-9 and Q-11, the major polyamines were spermidine, putrescine and sym-homospermidine and the major lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine, with moderate amounts of the Ochrobactrum-specific unidentified aminolipid AL2. The major fatty acids (>20 %) were C18 : 1ω7c and C19 : 0 cyclo ω8c. These traits were in excellent agreement with the assignment of the isolates to the genus Ochrobactrum. DNA–DNA relatedness and physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation from other members of the genus Ochrobactrum. Hence, it is concluded that the isolates represent a novel species, for which the name Ochrobactrum pecoris sp. nov. is proposed (type strain 08RB2639T  = DSM 23868T  = CCUG 60088T  = CCM 7822T).

scholarly journals Occurrence and Genetic Diversity of Uncultured Legionella spp. in Drinking Water Treated at Temperatures below 15°C

2006 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 157-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bart A. Wullings ◽  
Dick van der Kooij
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Culture Method ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Gene Sequences ◽  
16S Rrna Gene Sequences ◽  
Treated Water ◽  
Pcr Method ◽  
Unit Reduction ◽  
Selection Of

ABSTRACT Representatives of the genus Legionella were detected by use of a real-time PCR method in all water samples collected directly after treatment from 16 surface water (SW) supplies prior to postdisinfection and from 81 groundwater (GW) supplies. Legionella concentrations ranged from 1.1 × 103 to 7.8 × 105 cells liter−1 and were significantly higher in SW treated with multiple barriers at 4°C than in GW treated at 9 to 12°C with aeration and filtration but without chemical disinfection. No Legionellae (<50 CFU liter−1) were detected in treated water by the culture method. Legionella was also observed in untreated SW and in untreated aerobic and anaerobic GW. Filtration processes in SW and GW treatment had little effect or increased the Legionella concentration, but ozonation in SW treatment caused about 1-log-unit reduction. A phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences of 202 clones, obtained from a selection of samples, showed a high similarity (>91%) with Legionella sequences in the GenBank database. A total of 40 (33%) of the 16S rRNA gene sequences obtained from treated water were identified as described Legionella species and types, including L. bozemanii, L. worsleiensis, Legionella-like amoebal pathogen types, L. quateirensis, L. waltersii, and L. pneumophila. 16S rRNA gene sequences with a similarity of below 97% from described species were positioned all over the phylogenetic tree of Legionella. Hence, a large diversity of yet-uncultured Legionellae are common members of the microbial communities in SW and GW treated at water temperatures of below 15°C.

scholarly journals Reliable Identification of Environmental Pseudomonas Isolates Using the rpoD Gene

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 1166
Author(s):  
Léa Girard ◽  
Cédric Lood ◽  
Hassan Rokni-Zadeh ◽  
Vera van Noort ◽  
Rob Lavigne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Whole Genome Sequencing ◽  
Genome Sequencing ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Rpod Gene ◽  
The 16S Rrna Gene

The taxonomic affiliation of Pseudomonas isolates is currently assessed by using the 16S rRNA gene, MultiLocus Sequence Analysis (MLSA), or whole genome sequencing. Therefore, microbiologists are facing an arduous choice, either using the universal marker, knowing that these affiliations could be inaccurate, or engaging in more laborious and costly approaches. The rpoD gene, like the 16S rRNA gene, is included in most MLSA procedures and has already been suggested for the rapid identification of certain groups of Pseudomonas. However, a comprehensive overview of the rpoD-based phylogenetic relationships within the Pseudomonas genus is lacking. In this study, we present the rpoD-based phylogeny of 217 type strains of Pseudomonas and defined a cutoff value of 98% nucleotide identity to differentiate strains at the species level. To validate this approach, we sequenced the rpoD of 145 environmental isolates and complemented this analysis with whole genome sequencing. The rpoD sequence allowed us to accurately assign Pseudomonas isolates to 20 known species and represents an excellent first diagnostic tool to identify new Pseudomonas species. Finally, rpoD amplicon sequencing appears as a reliable and low-cost alternative, particularly in the case of large environmental studies with hundreds or thousands of isolates.

scholarly journals Development of Quantitative PCR Assays Targeting the 16S rRNA Genes of Enterococcus spp. and Their Application to the Identification of Enterococcus Species in Environmental Samples

2012 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
pp. 196-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hodon Ryu ◽  
Michael Henson ◽  
Michael Elk ◽  
Carlos Toledo-Hernandez ◽  
John Griffith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
16S Rrna Gene ◽  
Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
The Other ◽  
Rrna Gene ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Specific Assay ◽  
Enterococcal Species

ABSTRACTThe detection of environmental enterococci has been determined primarily by using culture-based techniques that might exclude some enterococcal species as well as those that are nonculturable. To address this, the relative abundances of enterococci were examined by challenging fecal and water samples against a currently available genus-specific assay (Entero1). To determine the diversity of enterococcal species, 16S rRNA gene-based group-specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays were developed and evaluated against eight of the most common environmental enterococcal species. Partial 16S rRNA gene sequences of 439 presumptive environmental enterococcal strains were analyzed to study further the diversity of enterococci and to confirm the specificities of group-specific assays. The group-specific qPCR assays showed relatively high amplification rates with targeted species (>98%), although some assays cross-amplified with nontargeted species (1.3 to 6.5%). The results with the group-specific assays also showed that different enterococcal species co-occurred in most fecal samples. The most abundant enterococci in water and fecal samples wereEnterococcus faecalisandEnterococcus faecium, although we identified more water isolates asEnterococcus casseliflavusthan as any of the other species. The prevalence of the Entero1 marker was in agreement with the combined number of positive signals determined by the group-specific assays in most fecal samples, except in gull feces. On the other hand, the number of group-specific assay signals was lower in all water samples tested, suggesting that other enterococcal species are present in these samples. While the results highlight the value of genus- and group-specific assays for detecting the major enterococcal groups in environmental water samples, additional studies are needed to determine further the diversity, distributions, and relative abundances of all enterococcal species found in water.

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