DNA Persistence in a Sink Drain Environment

PLoS One. 2015 Jul 31;10(7):e0134798. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134798. eCollection 2015.

Abstract

Biofilms are organized structures composed mainly of cells and extracellular polymeric substances produced by the constituent microorganisms. Ubiquitous in nature, biofilms have an innate ability to capture and retain passing material and may therefore act as natural collectors of contaminants or signatures of upstream activities. To determine the persistence and detectability of DNA passing through a sink drain environment, Bacillus anthracis strain Ames35 was cultured (6.35 x 107 CFU/mL), sterilized, and disposed of by addition to a sink drain apparatus with an established biofilm. The sink drain apparatus was sampled before and for several days after the addition of the sterilized B. anthracis culture to detect the presence of B. anthracis DNA. Multiple PCR primer pairs were used to screen for chromosomal and plasmid DNA with primers targeting shorter sequences showing greater amplification efficiency and success. PCR amplification and detection of target sequences indicate persistence of chromosomal DNA and plasmid DNA in the biofilm for 5 or more and 14 or more days, respectively.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus anthracis / genetics*
  • Base Sequence
  • Biofilms
  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Bacterial / analysis*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Sanitary Engineering / instrumentation*

Substances

  • DNA Primers
  • DNA, Bacterial

Grants and funding

This project was supported by a grant from the Intelligence Community Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program. All statements of fact, opinion, or analysis expressed are those of the author and do not reflect the official positions or views of the Intelligence Community or any other United States Government agency. Nothing in the contents should be construed as asserting or implying United States Government authentication of information or Intelligence Community endorsement of the author’s views.