CapE (capture, amplify, extract): A rapid method for detection of low level contamination of water with Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC)

Sci Total Environ. 2016 Sep 1:563-564:267-72. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.04.075. Epub 2016 Apr 30.

Abstract

Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) is associated with a wide spectrum of disease from mild self-limiting diarrhoea to haemolytic uremic syndrome. Contaminated drinking water is accepted as an important route of transmission in Ireland as elsewhere however established methods for detection of VTEC in drinking water have limitations. We describe a sensitive and rapid method for detection of VTEC from large volumes (20 to 30L) of drinking water based on filtration, enrichment culture of filters and real-time PCR detection of VTEC virulence and O antigen determinants from enrichments. The method has potential applications for other waterborne pathogens.

Keywords: Filtration; Real time PCR; Verocytotoxigenic E. coli; Water.

Publication types

  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Bacterial / isolation & purification
  • Bacterial Load / methods*
  • Drinking Water / microbiology*
  • Filtration / methods*
  • Ireland
  • Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Shiga-Toxigenic Escherichia coli / isolation & purification*
  • Virulence Factors / isolation & purification
  • Water Microbiology*

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Drinking Water
  • Virulence Factors