Citation:

Shanks, O. Human Fecal Source Identification: Real-Time Quantitative PCR Method Standardization. Presented at 17th International Symposium on Health-Related Water Microbiology, Florianopolis, BRAZIL, September 15 - 20, 2013.

Impact/Purpose:

To inform the public.

Description:

Method standardization or the formal development of a protocol that establishes uniform performance benchmarks and practices is necessary for widespread adoption of a fecal source identification approach. Standardization of a human-associated fecal identification method has been hampered by a lack of consensus among researchers regarding the most suitable technology and best indicators. However, recent studies indicate an overwhelming preference for real-time quantitative PCR approaches targeting Bacteroides genetic markers. The ideal method for standardization should not only be consistently identified by experts as a top performing technology, but also should be highly optimized, utilizing the most current reagents for environmental samples, as well as strategies to monitor for potential sources of measurement interference. In an effort to standardize methods for human fecal source identification, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and collaborators have conducted a series of studies to develop the first standardized microbial source tracking methods. Research efforts used for method selection, optimization, and validation on a national scale will be presented followed by a discussion of the next steps necessary for national and international adoption.

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