Real-time PCR method to detect Enterococcus faecalis in water
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2026

A Duplex Digital PCR Assay for Simultaneous Quantification of the Enterococcus spp. and the Human Fecal-associated HF183 Marker in Waters
Published on: March 9, 2016
Jorge W Santo Domingo1, Shawn C Siefring, Richard A Haugland
1U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Microbial Exposure Research Branch, 26 W Martin Luther King Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA. santodomingo.jorge@epa.gov
Abstract:
A 16S rDNA real-time PCR method was developed to detect Enterococcus faecalis in water samples. The dynamic range for cell detection spanned five logs and the detection limit was determined to be 6 cfu/reaction. The assay was capable of detecting E. faecalis cells added to biofilms from a simulator of a water distribution system and in freshwater samples. Nucleic acid extraction was not required, permitting the detection of E. faecalis cells in less than 3 h.

