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Fast and easy methods for the detection of coliphages
Anicet R Blanch1, Francisco Lucena1, Maite Muniesa1
1Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, Avda/ Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; The Water Research Institute, University of Barcelona, C/ Montalegre 6, 08001 Barcelona, Spain.
Journal of Microbiological Methods
|May 11, 2020
Summary
New methods are emerging to quickly detect coliphages, which are vital indicators of fecal pollution in water and food. These advancements promise faster, more user-friendly testing for improved water quality monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Water Quality Analysis
- Virology
Background:
- Somatic and F-specific coliphages are increasingly used as indicators for fecal and viral pollution in environmental monitoring.
- Global guidelines and regulations for water, biosolids, and food quality assessment are incorporating coliphage detection.
- Existing robust methods for coliphage detection, while effective, can be time-consuming for routine laboratory implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of novel approaches for the rapid and user-friendly detection of infectious coliphages.
- To highlight advancements that facilitate the inclusion of coliphage detection in routine water quality analysis.
- To discuss the potential of emerging technologies in coliphage monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Review of new methodologies and streamlined protocols for coliphage detection.
- Exploration of advancements in laboratory implementation for routine use.
- Brief discussion of molecular procedures and microelectronic sensor-based methods.
Main Results:
- Emerging approaches show significant improvements in speed and user-friendliness for coliphage detection.
- Streamlined kits capable of providing results within hours at reasonable costs are anticipated.
- Molecular and sensor-based methods offer potential for future enhancements in coliphage analysis.
Conclusions:
- Faster and more accessible coliphage detection methods are on the horizon.
- These advancements will support routine water quality monitoring and treatment efficiency assessment.
- Future innovations are expected to further simplify and expedite the analysis of infectious coliphages.
