BEACHNET==> new IMS/ATP article in J Appl Microbiol

[Meredith Nevers <mnevers@usgs.gov>]

Title:
Rapid detection of Escherichia coli and enterococci in recreational water
using an immunomagnetic separation/adenosine triphosphate technique

Authors:
Bushon, RN; Brady, AM; Likirdopulos, CA; Cireddu, JV

Author Full Names:
Bushon, R. N.; Brady, A. M.; Likirdopulos, C. A.; Cireddu, J. V.

Source:
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, 106 (2): 432-441 FEB 2009

Language:
English

Document Type:
Article

Abstract:
The aim of this study was to examine a rapid method for detecting Escherichia
coli and enterococci in recreational water.
   Water samples were assayed for E. coli and enterococci by traditional
and immunomagnetic separation/adenosine triphosphate (IMS/ATP) methods.
Three sample treatments were evaluated for the IMS/ATP method: double filtration,
single filtration, and direct analysis. Pearson's correlation analysis
showed strong, significant, linear relations between IMS/ATP and traditional
methods for all sample treatments; strongest linear correlations were with
the direct analysis (r = 0.62 and 0.77 for E. coli and enterococci, respectively).
Additionally, simple linear regression was used to estimate bacteria concentrations
as a function of IMS/ATP results. The correct classification of water-quality
criteria was 67% for E. coli and 80% for enterococci.
   The IMS/ATP method is a viable alternative to traditional methods
for faecal-indicator bacteria.
   The IMS/ATP method addresses critical public health needs for the
rapid detection of faecal-indicator contamination and has potential for
satisfying US legislative mandates requiring methods to detect bathing
water contamination in 2 h or less. Moreover, IMS/ATP equipment is considerably
less costly and more portable than that for molecular methods, making the
method suitable for field applications.