Source Molecular Microbial Source Tracking
 
 
Microbial Source Tracking by Host
Source Tracking Human Host
Source Tracking Cattle Host
Source Tracking Swine Host
Source Tracking Bird Host
Source Tracking Seagull Host
Source Tracking Goose Host
Source Tracking Chicken Host
Source Tracking Dog Host
Source Tracking Deer Host
Source Tracking Horse Host
Microbial Source Tracking and Fecal Detection
Source Molecular Corporation, Leader in Molecular and Genetic Microbial Source Tracking

Microbial Source Tracking

   
  Detect the Host Source of Fecal
Bacterial/Viral Contamination
 
What is Microbial Source Tracking (MST)?

Microbial Source Tracking (MST) is a set of methods used to determine the host (different animals or Human) that contributes faecal pollution and microbial contamination to a variety of water bodies. Faecal pollution is a common problem that occurs in many water systems. When high counts of faecal bacteria are present in a water source, it poses a serious health risk for the public as well as economic losses for industries relying on coastal waters.

Application

The application of MST to risk assessment, total maximum daily load (TMDL) assessment or beach monitoring provides a tool for identifying the source of the pollution and allowing for appropriate remediation and preventative measures to be taken.

Faecal pollution can originate from point and non-point sources. Point sources may include sewage, effluent from wastewater treatment plants and stormwater. Nonpoint sources may include leaking septic systems, agriculture or wildlife runoffs where the entry point of contamination to surface waters is not obvious. Nonpoint sources are most apparent after storm events and are the cause of many water system impairments. If it is determined that the major contributor of the faecal pollution of a certain water system is Human, then compromised sewage or septic systems in the area should be the most probable cause. If the major contributor is cattle, then nearby farms should be suspected.

Microbial Source Tracking Tests offered

   X = Available source tracking analysis
   Q = Analysis can be quantified
Bacteroidetes Enterococcus Enterovirus Polyomavirus
HUMAN Source Tracking and Quantification Human Bacteroidetes Source Tracking and Quantification Human Enterococcus Source Tracking Human Enterovirus Source Tracking and Quantification Human Urine Virus
COW Source Tracking Cow Bacteroidetes Source Tracking Cow Enterococcus Source Tracking Cow Fecal Virus  
BIRD Source Tracking Bird Bacteroidetes Source Tracking Bird Enterococcus    
DEER   Source Tracking Deer Enterococcus    
PIG Source Tracking and Quantification Pig Bacteroidetes      
GOOSE Source Tracking and Quantification Goose Bacteroidetes      
CHICKEN Source Tracking Chicken Bacteroidetes      
DOG Source Tracking and Quantification Dog Bacteroidetes      
HORSE Source Tracking Horse Bacteroidetes      
 
 C.Marimammalium 
GULL Source Tracking and Quantification Seagull Fecal Bacteria


How does MST work?

In recent years, library-independent MST methods have rapidly displaced library-dependent MST methods which had multiple limitations and disadvantages. Library-independent approaches use molecular-based techniques to directly detect the genetic sequences of faecal indicator bacteria (FIB). The gut microbiota differs between animal hosts due to differences in animal digestive systems and microbial natural selection. It is expected that unique strains of FIB will exist only in their respective hosts. This allows for the identification of host faecal pollution by genetically detecting host-specific microorganisms. This is done with a technology termed quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). qPCR targets regions of genes unique to each host-specific microroganism. The most targeted gene for MST use is the 16S rRNA gene. This gene is highly preserved but has variable regions that allow for the determination of the bacteria’s origin to the level of species or subspecies. The fact that it has numerous copies in a cell makes it easy to detect even when it is diluted in environmental waters. The most common FIB for the identification of livestock, Human and domestic pet sources are Bacteroides. They are obligate anaerobes, believed to be found predominantly in faeces, constitute approximately one third of the faecal bacterial population and exhibit host-specific variations. Other widely used FIB are Enterococci, Enterovirus, and the highly Human-specific Polyomavirus.

For a greater degree of certainty, it is recommended that multiple bacteria specific to a suspected host be examined when possible. For example, if a positive detect for Human-specific Bacteroides is supplemented with a positive detect for Human-specific polyomavirus, the strength of the test is increased providing a good indication that human faecal pollution is present in the water sample.


 
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Contact Source Molecular for Microbial Source Tracking Projects
 
Email: info@sourcemolecular.com
Call: (786) 220-0379
Address:
4985 SW 74th Court
Miami, Fl 33155
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  Source Molecular Corporation
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Fax: (786) 513-2733
Email: info@sourcemolecular.com
Address: 4985 SW 74th Court
Miami, Fl 33155 USA
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