Rapid detection of bacteria, Enterococcus faecalis, in airborne particles of Hermosillo, Sonora, México

ABSTRACT

Aim: The microorganisms present in the air have great biological and economic importance because they can seriously affect living organisms. The aim of this work was to implement a real-time PCR technique as a rapid method for detecting Enterococcus faecalis in filters containing airborne particles, seeking to avoid the loss of time in bacterial culture on agar plates. Methodology: Air filter samples were collected from four monitoring stations. Filter samples with PM10 and TSP particles were subjected to nucleic acid extraction and PCR for identification of E. faecalis. Results: The PCR technique developed in this work showed high sensitivity and good specificity for detecting the presence of E. faecalis in airborne particles. The results of the microbiological analysis using traditional identification techniques confirmed the presence of E. faecalis in all sampling sites. Winter was the period with the highest percentage of positive samples. Interpretation: The results suggest that PCR technique can be used for rapid detection of E. faecalis in filters containing PM10 and TSP particles.