Key Factors for Removing Bias in Viability PCR-Based Methods: A Review

During the last decade, the viability PCR approach has been investigated intensively with the goal of detecting solely the DNA derived from intact cells by removing the bias resulting from dead or damaged cell artifacts. However, since the first published paper in 2003 and despite the various continuous improvements, the stubborn reality is that in most cases the goal has not been achieved. Complete neutralization of nucleic acids derived from dead microorganisms was not possible, at least without affecting live cells. However, recently published works in this field show how neutralization rates can be improved. In this communication, we review recent improvements that enable effective vPCR procedures.