AWWA WQTC58785 Using Ribosome Genesis as a Sensitive Indicator of Microbial Viability to Test Disinfection Efficacy

Conference Proceeding by American Water Works Association, 11/02/2003

Oerther, Daniel B.; Stroot, Peter G.; Polaczyk, Amy; Chen, Yanping

Full Description

The objective of this study was to demonstrate that ribosomal RNA-targeted techniquescould be used to quantify viable microorganisms when determining disinfection efficacy. Theauthors have developed a new technique to simultaneously measure ribosomal RNA as well asprecursor ribosomal RNA, a key intermediate in the production of ribosomes. Ribosomal RNAand precursor ribosomal RNA were measured simultaneously in cultures of AcinetobactercalcoaceticussupT/sup and Mycobacterium mucogenicum. The results demonstrate that precursor ribosomalRNA is a sensitive measure of viability. The authors believe this approach holds tremendouspromise for verifying disinfection efficacy for microorganisms using molecular biology-basedmonitoring. In the future, coupling the rapid developments in molecular biology-based technologywith the critical measurement of cellular viability via detection of ribosome genesis may change theway disinfectants are evaluated. Includes 12 references, figures.

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Edition: Vol. - No. Published: 11/02/2003 Number of Pages: 8 File Size: 1 file , 430 KB