Viable real-time PCR in environmental samples: can all data be interpreted directly?

Microb Ecol. 2011 Jan;61(1):7-12. doi: 10.1007/s00248-010-9719-1. Epub 2010 Jul 15.

Abstract

Selective nucleic acid intercalating dyes--ethidium monoazide (EMA) and propidium monoazide (PMA)--represent one of the most successful recent approaches to detect viable cells (as defined by an intact cell membrane) by PCR and have been effectively evaluated in different microorganisms. However, some practical limitations were found, especially in environmental samples. The aim of this work was to show that in the application of viable real-time PCR, there may be significant biases and to propose a strategy for overcoming some of these problems. We present an approach based on the combination of three real-time PCR amplifications for each sample that should provide an improved estimation of the number of viable cells. This approach could be useful especially when it is difficult to determine a priori how to optimize methods using PMA or EMA. Although further studies are required to improve viable real-time PCR methods, the concept as outlined here presents an interesting future research direction.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacterial Load / methods*
  • Environmental Microbiology*
  • Legionella pneumophila / genetics
  • Legionella pneumophila / physiology
  • Microbial Viability*
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity