An Evaluation of Subtyping Methods for the Identification of Fecal Pollution Sources
Author(s)
Buchan, Alison
Alber, Merryl
Moran, Mary Ann
Hodson, Robert E.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
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Abstract
Fecal coliform concentrations are routinely
monitored in waterbodies as indicators of other more
potentially dangerous human fecal-borne pathogens.
However, high concentrations do not necessarily indicate
human waste contamination, since other warm-blooded
animals also release fecal coliforms. A method to distinguish
between different sources of fecal coliforms would be
beneficial for identifying contamination sources and
determining the level of risk to humans. In this study, two
methods, one molecular and one biochemical, were
evaluated to determine if host-strain specific patterns could
be established between the dominant member of the fecal
coliform group, Escherichia coli, and potential sources (i.e.
human, bovine, poultry) within the watershed of Lake
Sidney Lanier, Georgia. Sixteen unique isolates (3 human, 3
bovine, 4 poultry, and 6 water samples) were evaluated using
these methods. The molecular method was better at
discriminating between strains of E. coli than the biochemical, and preliminary analysis indicates that
similarities between source isolates exists.
Sponsor
Sponsored and Organized by: U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology
Date
1997-03
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings