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Fecal Source Identification with Real-Time Quantitative PCR
Citation:
SHANKS, O. C. Fecal Source Identification with Real-Time Quantitative PCR. Presented at Pacific Research Center for Marine Biomedicine Research Seminar Series, Honolulu, HI, February 08, 2011.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
Waterborne diseases that originate from fecal pollution remain a significant public health issue. Current fecal indicator technologies recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for water quality testing do not discriminate between different animal sources of fecal pollution. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) applications represent a powerful tool for the identification and potential quantification of host-associated genetic markers. The concept of qPCR fecal source identification, as well as advantages, key challenges, and the application of this technology will be discussed.