We provide a range of NATA accredited analyses catering for waterborne pathogen testing, including Campylobacter, Salmonella and Sulfite Reducing Clostridia (including Clostridium perfringens).
Campylobacter spp. are transmitted by the oral route and cause gastrointestinal illness. Thermophilic campylobacters are present in raw sewage. There occurrence in surface waters is dependent on rainfall, water temperature and the presence of wild birds.
Salmonella spp. are widely distributed in the environment and gain entry into water systems through faecal contamination from live stock, native animals, drainage waters and incompletely treated waste discharges. Faecal contamination of water is the main cause of waterborne outbreaks of salmonellosis.
Sulfite reducing Clostridia (including Clostridium perfringens) are present in the faeces of humans and other mammals, in wastewater and in soil. As these organisms may form endospores, which allow the bacteria to survive in almost any habitat, SRC counts are a useful indicator of past pollution in ground water, estuarine and ocean environments.
Campylobacter spp. - <4/L
Salmonella spp. - presence/absence
Sulfite Reducing Clostridia – 1 /100mL
Sample container
2x600mL sterile plastic (PT600)
Label
PT600 - sterile - sodium thio - air gap, ice
Analytes & holding times
All water types
#Campylobacter (C.jejuni, C.coli)
(24 hours)
#Salmonella spp (24 hours)
Storage and preservation
Iced or chilled to 4°C.
Sodium thiosulphate dosed.
Notes
Aseptic preparation is mandatory. Bottle to be
double bagged with zip locks
for storage on ice.
2 x 600mL bottles to be used.
Isolation of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. is achieved by concentration of the organisms on a membrane filter, inoculating into an enrichment broth and subculture onto a selective solid agar media (AS/NZS 4276.19-2001).
The differentiation between Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli is undertaken using a hydrolysis test. The presence of Salmonella in water can be determined by concentration followed by culturing on selective media (AS/NZS 4276.14-1995). Serotyping of species is available.
The enumeration of Sulfite Reducing Clostridia is achieved by membrane filtration and confirmation steps involving selective media (AS/NZS 4276.17-2000). The AWQC developed an alternative rapid method for the identification of C.perfringens using an alternative selective fluorogenic broth. This rapid method has improved sensitivity and specificity for confirming C.perfringens.