1
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Keely SP, Brinkman NE, Wheaton EA, Jahne MA, Siefring SD, Varma M, Hill RA, Leibowitz SG, Martin RW, Garland JL, Haugland RA. Geospatial Patterns of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in the US EPA National Rivers and Streams Assessment Survey. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:14960-14971. [PMID: 35737903 PMCID: PMC9632466 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c00813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AR) is a serious global problem due to the overuse of antimicrobials in human, animal, and agriculture sectors. There is intense research to control the dissemination of AR, but little is known regarding the environmental drivers influencing its spread. Although AR genes (ARGs) are detected in many different environments, the risk associated with the spread of these genes to microbial pathogens is unknown. Recreational microbial exposure risks are likely to be greater in water bodies receiving discharge from human and animal waste in comparison to less disturbed aquatic environments. Given this scenario, research practitioners are encouraged to consider an ecological context to assess the effect of environmental ARGs on public health. Here, we use a stratified, probabilistic survey of nearly 2000 sites to determine national patterns of the anthropogenic indicator class I integron Integrase gene (intI1) and several ARGs in 1.2 million kilometers of United States (US) rivers and streams. Gene concentrations were greater in eastern than in western regions and in rivers and streams in poor condition. These first of their kind findings on the national distribution of intI1 and ARGs provide new information to aid risk assessment and implement mitigation strategies to protect public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott P. Keely
- Center
for Environmental Measurement and Modeling and Center for Environmental Solutions
and Emergency Response, US Environmental
Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Nichole E. Brinkman
- Center
for Environmental Measurement and Modeling and Center for Environmental Solutions
and Emergency Response, US Environmental
Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Emily A. Wheaton
- Center
for Environmental Measurement and Modeling and Center for Environmental Solutions
and Emergency Response, US Environmental
Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Michael A. Jahne
- Center
for Environmental Measurement and Modeling and Center for Environmental Solutions
and Emergency Response, US Environmental
Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Shawn D. Siefring
- Center
for Environmental Measurement and Modeling and Center for Environmental Solutions
and Emergency Response, US Environmental
Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Manju Varma
- Center
for Environmental Measurement and Modeling and Center for Environmental Solutions
and Emergency Response, US Environmental
Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Ryan A. Hill
- Center
for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States
| | - Scott G. Leibowitz
- Center
for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, US Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, Oregon 97333, United States
| | - Roy W. Martin
- Center
for Environmental Measurement and Modeling and Center for Environmental Solutions
and Emergency Response, US Environmental
Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Jay L. Garland
- Center
for Environmental Measurement and Modeling and Center for Environmental Solutions
and Emergency Response, US Environmental
Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
| | - Richard A. Haugland
- Center
for Environmental Measurement and Modeling and Center for Environmental Solutions
and Emergency Response, US Environmental
Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, United States
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2
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Sivaganesan M, Willis JR, Karim M, Babatola A, Catoe D, Boehm AB, Wilder M, Green H, Lobos A, Harwood VJ, Hertel S, Klepikow R, Howard MF, Laksanalamai P, Roundtree A, Mattioli M, Eytcheson S, Molina M, Lane M, Rediske R, Ronan A, D'Souza N, Rose JB, Shrestha A, Hoar C, Silverman AI, Faulkner W, Wickman K, Kralj JG, Servetas SL, Hunter ME, Jackson SA, Shanks OC. Interlaboratory performance and quantitative PCR data acceptance metrics for NIST SRM® 2917. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 225:119162. [PMID: 36191524 PMCID: PMC9932931 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.119162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Surface water quality quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technologies are expanding from a subject of research to routine environmental and public health laboratory testing. Readily available, reliable reference material is needed to interpret qPCR measurements, particularly across laboratories. Standard Reference Material® 2917 (NIST SRM® 2917) is a DNA plasmid construct that functions with multiple water quality qPCR assays allowing for estimation of total fecal pollution and identification of key fecal sources. This study investigates SRM 2917 interlaboratory performance based on repeated measures of 12 qPCR assays by 14 laboratories (n = 1008 instrument runs). Using a Bayesian approach, single-instrument run data are combined to generate assay-specific global calibration models allowing for characterization of within- and between-lab variability. Comparable data sets generated by two additional laboratories are used to assess new SRM 2917 data acceptance metrics. SRM 2917 allows for reproducible single-instrument run calibration models across laboratories, regardless of qPCR assay. In addition, global models offer multiple data acceptance metric options that future users can employ to minimize variability, improve comparability of data across laboratories, and increase confidence in qPCR measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mano Sivaganesan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jessica R Willis
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mohammad Karim
- Environmental Services Laboratory, City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Akin Babatola
- Environmental Services Laboratory, City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - David Catoe
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alexandria B Boehm
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Maxwell Wilder
- Department of Environmental Biology, SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Hyatt Green
- Department of Environmental Biology, SUNY-ESF, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Aldo Lobos
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Valerie J Harwood
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Stephanie Hertel
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Regina Klepikow
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7 Laboratory, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | | | - Alexis Roundtree
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Mia Mattioli
- Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch, Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stephanie Eytcheson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Marirosa Molina
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Molly Lane
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon, MI, USA
| | - Richard Rediske
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon, MI, USA
| | - Amanda Ronan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 2 Laboratory, Edison, NJ, USA
| | - Nishita D'Souza
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Joan B Rose
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Abhilasha Shrestha
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Catherine Hoar
- Department of Civil and Urban Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Andrea I Silverman
- Department of Civil and Urban Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Jason G Kralj
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, Complex Microbial Systems Group, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Stephanie L Servetas
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, Complex Microbial Systems Group, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Monique E Hunter
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, Complex Microbial Systems Group, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Scott A Jackson
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, Complex Microbial Systems Group, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Orin C Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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3
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Cyterski M, Shanks OC, Wanjugi P, McMinn B, Korajkic A, Oshima K, Haugland R. Bacterial and viral fecal indicator predictive modeling at three Great Lakes recreational beach sites. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 223:118970. [PMID: 35985141 PMCID: PMC9724166 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2022.118970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Coliphage are viruses that infect Escherichia coli (E. coli) and may indicate the presence of enteric viral pathogens in recreational waters. There is an increasing interest in using these viruses for water quality monitoring and forecasting; however, the ability to use statistical models to predict the concentrations of coliphage, as often done for cultured fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) such as enterococci and E. coli, has not been widely assessed. The same can be said for FIB genetic markers measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) methods. Here we institute least-angle regression (LARS) modeling of previously published concentrations of cultured FIB (E. coli, enterococci) and coliphage (F+, somatic), along with newly reported genetic concentrations measured via qPCR for E. coli, enterococci, and general Bacteroidales. We develop site-specific models from measures taken at three beach sites on the Great Lakes (Grant Park, South Milwaukee, WI; Edgewater Beach, Cleveland, OH; Washington Park, Michigan City, IN) to investigate the efficacy of a statistical predictive modeling approach. Microbial indicator concentrations were measured in composite water samples collected five days per week over a beach season (∼15 weeks). Model predictive performance (cross-validated standardized root mean squared error of prediction [SRMSEP] and R2PRED) were examined for seven microbial indicators (using log10 concentrations) and water/beach parameters collected concurrently with water samples. Highest predictive performance was seen for qPCR-based enterococci and Bacteroidales models, with F+ coliphage consistently yielding poor performing models. Influential covariates varied by microbial indicator and site. Antecedent rainfall, bird abundance, wave height, and wind speed/direction were most influential across all models. Findings suggest that some fecal indicators may be more suitable for water quality forecasting than others at Great Lakes beaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mike Cyterski
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Athens, GA, 30605, United States.
| | - Orin C Shanks
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Pauline Wanjugi
- New York State Department of Health, Center for Environmental Health, Bureau of Water Supply Protection, New York City Watershed Section, Albany, NY 12201, United States
| | - Brian McMinn
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Asja Korajkic
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Kevin Oshima
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
| | - Rich Haugland
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Cincinnati, OH 45268, United States
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4
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Liang L, Wang P, Qu T, Zhao X, Ge Y, Chen Y. Detection and quantification of Bacillus cereus and its spores in raw milk by qPCR, and distinguish Bacillus cereus from other bacteria of the genus Bacillus. FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY 2022. [DOI: 10.1093/fqsafe/fyab035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
The raw milk is the basic raw material of dairy products, Bacillus cereus is a typical conditional pathogenic bacteria and cold-phagocytic spoilage bacteria in raw milk. This study established a qPCR method for detecting B. cereus in raw milk
Materials and Methods
In this study, a qPCR method for detecting B. cereus in raw milk was established. The specificity of the method was verified by using other Bacillus bacteria and pathogenic bacteria, the sensitivity of the method was evaluated by preparing recombinant plasmids and simulated contaminated samples, and the applicability of the method was verified by using pure spore DNA. The actual sample detection was completed by using the established qPCR method
Results
The qPCR established in this study can specifically detect B. cereus in raw milk. The LOD of the method was as low as 200 CFU/mL, and the LOQ ranged from 2 × 10 2 to 2 × 10 8 CFU/ml, the amplification efficiency of qPCR was 96.6%
Conclusins
The method established in this study can distinguish B. cereus from other Bacillus bacteria, and spore DNA can be used as the detection object. This method has the advantages of strong specificity, high sensitivity, wide application range and short detection time, which is expected to be applied in the dairy industry.
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Competitiveness of Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (ddPCR) Technologies, with a Particular Focus on Detection of Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs). Appl Microbiol 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/applmicrobiol1030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
With fast-growing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technologies and various application methods, the technique has benefited science and medical fields. While having strengths and limitations on each technology, there are not many studies comparing the efficiency and specificity of PCR technologies. The objective of this review is to summarize a large amount of scattered information on PCR technologies focused on the two majorly used technologies: qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) and ddPCR (droplet-digital polymerase chain reaction). Here we analyze and compare the two methods for (1) efficiency, (2) range of detection and limitations under different disciplines and gene targets, (3) optimization, and (4) status on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) analysis. It has been identified that the range of detection and quantification limit varies depending on the PCR method and the type of sample. Careful optimization of target gene analysis is essential for building robust analysis for both qPCR and ddPCR. In our era where mutation of genes may lead to a pandemic of viral infectious disease or antibiotic resistance-induced health threats, this study hopes to set guidelines for meticulous detection, quantification, and analysis to help future prevention and protection of global health, the economy, and ecosystems.
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6
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Large-scale comparison of E. coli levels determined by culture and a qPCR method (EPA Draft Method C) in Michigan towards the implementation of rapid, multi-site beach testing. J Microbiol Methods 2021; 184:106186. [PMID: 33766609 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2021.106186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Fecal pollution remains a challenge for water quality managers at Great Lakes and inland recreational beaches. The fecal indicator of choice at these beaches is typically Escherichia coli (E. coli), determined by culture-based methods that require over 18 h to obtain results. Researchers at the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have developed a rapid E. coli qPCR methodology (EPA Draft Method C) that can provide same-day results for improving public health protection with demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, and data acceptance criteria. However, limited information is currently available to compare the occurrence of E. coli determined by cultivation and by EPA Draft Method C (Method C). This study provides a large-scale data collection effort to compare the occurrence of E. coli determined by these alternative methods at more than 100 Michigan recreational beach and other sites using the complete set of quantitative data pairings and selected subsets of the data and sites meeting various eligibility requirements. Simple linear regression analyses of composite (pooled) data indicated a correlation between results of the E. coli monitoring approaches for each of the multi-site datasets as evidenced by Pearson R-squared values ranging from 0.452 to 0.641. Theoretical Method C threshold values, expressed as mean log10 target gene copies per reaction, that corresponded to an established E. coli culture method water quality standard of 300 MPN or CFU /100 mL varied only from 1.817 to 1.908 for the different datasets using this model. Different modeling and derivation approaches that incorporated within and between-site variability in the estimates also gave Method C threshold values in this range but only when relatively well-correlated datasets were used to minimize the error. A hypothetical exercise to evaluate the frequency of water impairments based on theoretical qPCR thresholds corresponding to the E. coli water quality standard for culture methods suggested that the methods may provide the same beach notification outcomes over 90% of the time with Method C results differing from culture method results that indicated acceptable and unacceptable water quality at overall rates of 1.9% and 6.6%, respectively. Results from this study provide useful information about the relationships between E. coli determined by culture and qPCR methods across many diverse freshwater sites and should facilitate efforts to implement qPCR-based E. coli detection for rapid recreational water quality monitoring on a large scale in the State of Michigan.
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Lane MJ, Rediske RR, McNair JN, Briggs S, Rhodes G, Dreelin E, Sivy T, Flood M, Scull B, Szlag D, Southwell B, Isaacs NM, Pike S. A comparison of E. coli concentration estimates quantified by the EPA and a Michigan laboratory network using EPA Draft Method C. J Microbiol Methods 2020; 179:106086. [PMID: 33058947 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2020.106086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated data from 10 laboratories that analyzed water samples from 82 recreational water sites across the state of Michigan between 2016 and 2018. Water sample replicates were analyzed by experienced U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) analysts and Michigan laboratories personnel, many of whom were newly trained, using EPA Draft Method C-a rapid quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique that provides same day Escherichia coli (E. coli) concentration results. Beach management decisions (i.e. remain open or issue an advisory or closure) based on E. coli concentration estimates obtained by Michigan labs and by the EPA were compared; the beach management decision agreed in 94% of the samples analyzed. We used the Wilcoxon one-sample signed rank test and nonparametric quantile regression to assess (1) the degree of agreement between E. coli concentrations quantified by Michigan labs versus the EPA and (2) Michigan lab E. coli measurement precision, relative to EPA results, in different years and water body types. The median quantile regression curve for Michigan labs versus EPA approximated the 1:1 line of perfect agreement more closely as years progressed. Similarly, Michigan lab E. coli estimates precision also demonstrated yearly improvements. No meaningful difference was observed in the degree of association between Michigan lab and EPA E. coli concentration estimates for inland lake and Great Lakes samples (median regression curve average slopes 0.93 and 0.95, respectively). Overall, our study shows that properly trained laboratory personnel can perform Draft Method C to a degree comparable with experienced EPA analysts. This allows health departments that oversee recreational water quality monitoring to be confident in qPCR results generated by the local laboratories responsible for analyzing the water samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly J Lane
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Dr., Allendale, MI 49401, USA.
| | - Richard R Rediske
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Dr., Allendale, MI 49401, USA.
| | - James N McNair
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Dr., Allendale, MI 49401, USA.
| | - Shannon Briggs
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), 525 W. Allegan St., Lansing, MI 48909, USA.
| | - Geoff Rhodes
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), 525 W. Allegan St., Lansing, MI 48909, USA.
| | - Erin Dreelin
- Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Resource Building, 420 Wilson Rd, Room 13, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Tami Sivy
- Saginaw Valley State University, Department of Chemistry, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710, USA.
| | - Matthew Flood
- Michigan State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Natural Resource Building, 420 Wilson Rd, Room 13, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Brian Scull
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, 1 Campus Dr., Allendale, MI 49401, USA.
| | - David Szlag
- Oakland University, Department of Chemistry, 146 Library Dr., Rochester, MI 48309, USA.
| | - Benjamin Southwell
- Lake Superior State University, 650 W Easterday Ave., Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783, USA.
| | - Natasha M Isaacs
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 5840 Enterprise Dr., Lansing, MI 48911, USA.
| | - Schuyler Pike
- Ferris State University, Shimadzu Core Laboratory for Academic and Research Excellence, 820 Campus Dr., Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA.
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8
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Beinhauerova M, Babak V, Bertasi B, Boniotti MB, Kralik P. Utilization of Digital PCR in Quantity Verification of Plasmid Standards Used in Quantitative PCR. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:155. [PMID: 32850953 PMCID: PMC7403525 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a widely used method for nucleic acid quantification of various pathogenic microorganisms. For absolute quantification of microbial load by qPCR, it is essential to create a calibration curve from accurately quantified quantification standards, from which the number of pathogens in a sample is derived. Spectrophotometric measurement of absorbance is a routine method for estimating nucleic acid concentration, however, it may be affected by presence of other potentially contaminating nucleic acids or proteins and salts. Therefore, absorbance measurement is not reliable for estimating the concentration of stock solutions of quantification standards, based on which they are subsequently diluted. In this study, we utilized digital PCR (dPCR) for absolute quantification of qPCR plasmid standards and thus detecting possible discrepancies in the determination of the plasmid DNA number of standards derived from UV spectrophotometry. The concept of dPCR utilization for quantification of standards was applied on 45 qPCR assays using droplet-based and chip-based dPCR platforms. Using dPCR, we found that spectrophotometry overestimated the concentrations of standard stock solutions in the majority of cases. Furthermore, batch-to-batch variation in standard quantity was revealed, as well as quantitative changes in standards over time. Finally, it was demonstrated that droplet-based dPCR is a suitable tool for achieving defined quantity of quantification plasmid standards and ensuring the quantity over time, which is crucial for acquiring homogenous, reproducible and comparable quantitative data by qPCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Beinhauerova
- Department of Food and Feed Safety, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Vladimir Babak
- Department of Food and Feed Safety, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czechia
| | - Barbara Bertasi
- Controllo Alimenti, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Boniotti
- Tecnologie Biologiche Applicate, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Petr Kralik
- Department of Food and Feed Safety, Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Hygiene and Technology of Food of Animal Origin and of Gastronomy, Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czechia
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9
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Viral and Bacterial Fecal Indicators in Untreated Wastewater across the Contiguous United States Exhibit Geospatial Trends. Appl Environ Microbiol 2020; 86:AEM.02967-19. [PMID: 32060019 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02967-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cultivated fecal indicator bacteria such as Escherichia coli and enterococci are typically used to assess the sanitary quality of recreational waters. However, these indicators suffer from several limitations, such as the length of time needed to obtain results and the fact that they are commensal inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract of many animals and have fate and transport characteristics dissimilar to pathogenic viruses. Numerous emerging technologies that offer same-day water quality results or pollution source information or that more closely mimic persistence patterns of disease-causing pathogens that may improve water quality management are now available, but data detailing geospatial trends in wastewater across the United States are sparse. We report geospatial trends of cultivated bacteriophage (somatic, F+, and total coliphages and GB-124 phage), as well as genetic markers targeting polyomavirus, enterococci, E. coli, Bacteroidetes, and human-associated Bacteroides spp. (HF183/BacR287 and HumM2) in 49 primary influent sewage samples collected from facilities across the contiguous United States. Samples were selected from rural and urban facilities spanning broad latitude, longitude, elevation, and air temperature gradients by using a geographic information system stratified random site selection procedure. Most indicators in sewage demonstrated a remarkable similarity in concentration regardless of location. However, some exhibited predictable shifts in concentration based on either facility elevation or local air temperature. Geospatial patterns identified in this study, or the absence of such patterns, may have several impacts on the direction of future water quality management research, as well as the selection of alternative metrics to estimate sewage pollution on a national scale.IMPORTANCE This study provides multiple insights to consider for the application of bacterial and viral indicators in sewage to surface water quality monitoring across the contiguous United States, ranging from method selection considerations to future research directions. Systematic testing of a large collection of sewage samples confirmed that crAssphage genetic markers occur at a higher average concentration than key human-associated Bacteroides spp. on a national scale. Geospatial testing also suggested that some methods may be more suitable than others for widespread implementation. Nationwide characterization of indicator geospatial trends in untreated sewage represents an important step toward the validation of these newer methods for future water quality monitoring applications. In addition, the large paired-measurement data set reported here affords the opportunity to conduct a range of secondary analyses, such as the generation of new or updated quantitative microbial risk assessment models used to estimate public health risk.
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10
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Lane MJ, McNair JN, Rediske RR, Briggs S, Sivaganesan M, Haugland R. Simplified Analysis of Measurement Data from A Rapid E. coli qPCR Method (EPA Draft Method C) Using A Standardized Excel Workbook. WATER 2020; 12:1-775. [PMID: 32461809 PMCID: PMC7252523 DOI: 10.3390/w12030775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Draft method C is a standardized method for quantifying E. coli densities in recreational waters using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The method includes a Microsoft Excel workbook that automatically screens for poor-quality data using a set of previously proposed acceptance criteria, generates weighted linear regression (WLR) composite standard curves, and calculates E. coli target gene copies in test samples. We compared standard curve parameter values and test sample results calculated with the WLR model to those from a Bayesian master standard curve (MSC) model using data from a previous multi-lab study. The two models' mean intercept and slope estimates from twenty labs' standard curves were within each other's 95% credible or confidence intervals for all labs. E. coli gene copy estimates of six water samples analyzed by eight labs were highly overlapping among labs when quantified with the WLR and MSC models. Finally, we compared multiple labs' 2016-2018 composite curves, comprised of data from individual curves where acceptance criteria were not used, to their corresponding composite curves with passing acceptance criteria. Composite curves developed from passing individual curves had intercept and slope 95% confidence intervals that were often narrower than without screening and an analysis of covariance test was passed more often. The Excel workbook WLR calculation and acceptance criteria will help laboratories implement draft method C for recreational water analysis in an efficient, cost-effective, and reliable manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly J. Lane
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon, MI 49401, USA
| | - James N. McNair
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon, MI 49401, USA
| | - Richard R. Rediske
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Grand Valley State University, Muskegon, MI 49401, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Shannon Briggs
- Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), 525 W. Allegan St., Lansing, MI 48909, USA
| | - Mano Sivaganesan
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. EPA, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Richard Haugland
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. EPA, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
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Sivaganesan M, Aw TG, Briggs S, Dreelin E, Aslan A, Dorevitch S, Shrestha A, Isaacs N, Kinzelman J, Kleinheinz G, Noble R, Rediske R, Scull B, Rosenberg S, Weberman B, Sivy T, Southwell B, Siefring S, Oshima K, Haugland R. Standardized data quality acceptance criteria for a rapid Escherichia coli qPCR method (Draft Method C) for water quality monitoring at recreational beaches. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 156:456-464. [PMID: 30952079 PMCID: PMC9943056 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2019.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
There is growing interest in the application of rapid quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and other PCR-based methods for recreational water quality monitoring and management programs. This interest has strengthened given the publication of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-validated qPCR methods for enterococci fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) and has extended to similar methods for Escherichia coli (E. coli) FIB. Implementation of qPCR-based methods in monitoring programs can be facilitated by confidence in the quality of the data produced by these methods. Data quality can be determined through the establishment of a series of specifications that should reflect good laboratory practice. Ideally, these specifications will also account for the typical variability of data coming from multiple users of the method. This study developed proposed standardized data quality acceptance criteria that were established for important calibration model parameters and/or controls from a new qPCR method for E. coli (EPA Draft Method C) based upon data that was generated by 21 laboratories. Each laboratory followed a standardized protocol utilizing the same prescribed reagents and reference and control materials. After removal of outliers, statistical modeling based on a hierarchical Bayesian method was used to establish metrics for assay standard curve slope, intercept and lower limit of quantification that included between-laboratory, replicate testing within laboratory, and random error variability. A nested analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to establish metrics for calibrator/positive control, negative control, and replicate sample analysis data. These data acceptance criteria should help those who may evaluate the technical quality of future findings from the method, as well as those who might use the method in the future. Furthermore, these benchmarks and the approaches described for determining them may be helpful to method users seeking to establish comparable laboratory-specific criteria if changes in the reference and/or control materials must be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mano Sivaganesan
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, 26 W. M.L. King Dr, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - Tiong Gim Aw
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2100, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Shannon Briggs
- Water Resources Division, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, P. O. Box 30458, 525 West Allegan Street, Lansing, MI, 48909, USA
| | - Erin Dreelin
- Center for Water Sciences, Michigan State University, 1405 South Harrison Road, East Lansing, MI, 48823, USA
| | - Asli Aslan
- Georgia Southern University, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, 501 Forest Drive, Statesboro, GA, 30458, USA
| | - Samuel Dorevitch
- University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, 2121 W. Taylor Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Abhilasha Shrestha
- University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, 2121 W. Taylor Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Natasha Isaacs
- U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, 6520 Mercantile Way, Ste 5, Lansing, MI, 48911, USA
| | - Julie Kinzelman
- City of Racine Public Health Department, 730 Washington Ave, Racine, WI, 53403, USA
| | - Greg Kleinheinz
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Environmental Research Laboratory, 800 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, WI, 54901, USA
| | - Rachel Noble
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3431 Arendell Street, Morehead City, NC, 28557, USA
| | - Rick Rediske
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Lake Michigan Center, 740 W. Shoreline Dr, Muskegon, MI, 49441, USA
| | - Brian Scull
- Annis Water Resources Institute, Lake Michigan Center, 740 W. Shoreline Dr, Muskegon, MI, 49441, USA
| | - Susan Rosenberg
- Oakland County Health Division Laboratory, 1200 N. Telegraph, Pontiac, MI, 48341, USA
| | - Barbara Weberman
- Oakland County Health Division Laboratory, 1200 N. Telegraph, Pontiac, MI, 48341, USA
| | - Tami Sivy
- Saginaw Valley State University, Department of Chemistry, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI, 48710, USA
| | - Ben Southwell
- Lake Superior State University, Environmental Analysis Laboratory, 650 W. Easterday Ave, Sault Ste Marie, MI, 49783, USA
| | - Shawn Siefring
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, 26 W. M.L. King Dr, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - Kevin Oshima
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, 26 W. M.L. King Dr, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA
| | - Richard Haugland
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, 26 W. M.L. King Dr, Cincinnati, OH, 45268, USA.
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