Biofilms for Monitoring Presence of Microsporidia in Environmental Water. (29th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moss, Joseph A.; Snyder, Richard A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of eukaryotic microbiology. Volume 64:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 533
• Page End: 538
• Publication Date: 2017-01-29
• Subjects: Encephalitozoon spp. -- Enterocytozoon bieneusi -- real‐time PCR; Protista -- Periodicals; Eukaryotic cells -- Periodicals; Microbiology -- Periodicals; 579.05
• DOI: 10.1111/jeu.12390
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1066-5234

Abstract

Abstract: The development of molecular methodologies for targeting pathogens such as the Microsporidia has greatly improved our monitoring capabilities and initiatives. This study analyzed samples collected from five locations in Pensacola, Florida, USA for the presence of Microsporidian pathogens. To circumvent various impediments associated with water collection and filtration, we utilized biofilms as sentinels for detection of Microsporidia. We implemented membrane‐dissolution and sample purification in a single confined step followed by real‐time PCR to confirm pathogen presence. The results of this study demonstrate that microsporidia are present in environmental water sites in the Florida panhandle and that biofilms may serve as another alternative mode to circumvent filtration methods for their detection.