Field assessment of horse-associated genetic markers HoF597 and mtCytb for detecting the source of contamination in surface waters.
Abstract: We investigated the specificity and sensitivity of two horse-associated markers, HoF597 and Horse mtCytb, and 12 mitochondrial and bacterial markers of six animal species (human, cow, pig, bird, dog, chicken) in the faecal samples of 50 individual horses. Both horse markers were detected in 48 (96%) faecal samples. Cross-reactivity with dog (BacCan545) and pig (P23-2) occurred in 88% and 72% of horse faecal samples, respectively. Several other bacterial and mitochondrial markers of non-target hosts were also detected; however, their specificities were >80%. Analyses of samples from surface waters (n = 11) on or adjacent to properties from which horse faecal samples had been collected showed only the presence of HoF597 but not horse mitochondrial marker. Our data suggest that while bacterial and (or) mitochondrial markers of other animal species may be present in horse faeces, dog and pig markers may predominantly be present in horse faecal samples, which points to their nonspecificity as markers for microbial source tracking. Although HoF597 and Horse mtCytb are highly sensitive and specific for the detection of horse faecal pollution, because of their low numbers, mitochondrial (mtDNA) markers may not be robust for screening surface waters.
Publication Date: 2020-07-21 PubMed ID: 32692953DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2019-0499Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article is about a study testing the reliability of two horse-associated genetic markers, HoF597 and mtCytb, in identifying the contamination source in surface waters. The findings indicate these markers, despite being accurate and sensitive, may not be robust due to their low numbers.
Objective of the Study
- The purpose of this study was to investigate the specificity and sensitivity of two horse-associated markers, HoF597 and Horse mtCytb, and other genetic markers in detecting the source of contamination in surface waters. The researchers aimed to determine the accuracy and reliability of these markers in pinpointing the source of contamination.
Methodology
- The researchers conducted their investigations on the fecal samples of 50 individual horses. They extensively examined the aforementioned horse markers and 12 mitochondrial and bacterial markers of six different animal species, namely human, cow, pig, bird, dog, and chicken.
- They also analyzed samples from surface waters on or around the properties from which the horse fecal samples had been collected to detect the presence of these markers.
Results
- The horse markers were identified in 96% of the horse fecal samples. The dog marker BacCan545 and pig marker P23-2 showed cross-reactivity in 88% and 72% of the horse fecal samples, respectively. This indicates a high rate of non-specificity with these markers.
- Water samples displayed the presence of the HoF597 marker. Yet, they did not show the presence of the horse mitochondrial marker.
Conclusion and Implication
- The study found that despite the sensitivity and specificity of both HoF597 and Horse mtCytb for detecting horse fecal contamination, these markers may not be ideal for screening surface waters as their numbers are low.
- The significant presence of dog and pig markers in horse fecal samples indicates their potential non-specificity as markers for tracking the source of microbial contaminants. This finding implies that more targeted and specific markers might be required for accurate pollution source identification.
Cite This Article
APA
Gray J, Masters N, Wiegand A, Katouli M.
(2020).
Field assessment of horse-associated genetic markers HoF597 and mtCytb for detecting the source of contamination in surface waters.
Can J Microbiol, 66(11), 623-630.
https://doi.org/10.1139/cjm-2019-0499 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC 4558, Queensland, Australia.
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC 4558, Queensland, Australia.
- School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC 4558, Queensland, Australia.
- Genecology Research Centre, School of Health and Sport Sciences, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC 4558, Queensland, Australia.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Environmental Monitoring / methods
- Feces / microbiology
- Genes, Bacterial
- Genetic Markers
- Horses / microbiology
- Host Specificity
- Water Microbiology
- Water Pollution / analysis
Citations
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