Our DNA fingerprinting methods identify the exact animal species causing pollution in a water source so that you can implement pathogen management plans with the exact source of contamination.
Using next-generation sequencing, we can identify the source of faecal contamination in water sources ranging from reservoirs to bores.
Whole genome sequencing
By using E. coli whole genome sequencing (WGS) we can fingerprint isolates for faecal source tracking, and identify bloom-forming and potentially pathogenic E. coli.
WGS involves the examination of multiple E. coli genes. Our in-house developed method includesthe Achtman loci in addition to a further 157 genomic regions, allowing the identification of more than 4,499 E. coli sequence types.
This unique identification of isolates (equivalent to a DNA fingerprint) allows E. coli WGS to be used for tracking and monitoring E. coli presence over time at a single location, or E. coli isolate movement through a water distribution network or water body.
Bioinformatics pipeline
We have also developed a bioinformatics pipeline to identify any genes associated with human health risk (for example, virulence or antimicrobial resistance genes) or with the potential to form blooms (for example, particular capsule gene sequences).
Our use of WGS provides you with detailed and reliable information without reliance on complex, time-consuming traditional techniques.
The molecular-based monitoring technique has significant implications for your use in public health, research, conservation efforts and optimisation of processes and conditions within water treatment plants.
