Use of Microbial Source Tracking in the Legal Arena: Benefits and Challenges

Teaf, Christopher M.; Garber, Michele M.; Harwood, Valerie J.

doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-9386-1_13

Cited by 5 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 41 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…MST applications are diverse, ranging from assessment of beach water quality (Brownell et al ., ; Abdelzaher et al ., ; Korajkic et al ., ) to source allocations for total maximum daily load plans (Simpson et al ., ; Arnone & Walling, ), the legal arena (Weidhaas et al ., ; Teaf et al ., ), and food safety (Santo Domingo & Sadowsky, ; Graves, ). Likewise, the host species implicated as potential pollution sources in various water bodies range from human (Bernhard & Field, ; McQuaig et al ., ) to agricultural animals (Bernhard & Field, ; Shanks et al ., ; Weidhaas et al ., ) to pets (Kildare et al ., ) and wild animals such as gulls (Sinigalliano et al ., ; Lu et al ., ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microbial source tracking markers for detection of fecal contamination in environmental waters: relationships between pathogens and human health outcomes

Harwood

Staley

Badgley³

et al. 2014

FEMS Microbiol Rev

Self Cite

542

490

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Microbial source tracking (MST) describes a suite of methods and an investigative strategy for determination of fecal pollution sources in environmental waters that rely on the association of certain fecal microorganisms with a particular host. MST is used to assess recreational water quality and associated human health risk, and total maximum daily load allocations. Many methods rely on signature molecules (markers) such as DNA sequences of host-associated microorganisms. Human sewage pollution is among the greatest concerns for human health due to (1) the known risk of exposure to human waste and (2) the public and regulatory will to reduce sewage pollution; however, methods to identify animal sources are receiving increasing attention as our understanding of zoonotic disease potential improves. Here, we review the performance of MST methods in initial reports and field studies, with particular emphasis on quantitative PCR (qPCR). Relationships among human-associated MST markers, fecal indicator bacteria, pathogens, and human health outcomes are presented along with recommendations for future research. An integrated understanding of the advantages and drawbacks of the many MST methods targeting human sources advanced over the past several decades will benefit managers, regulators, researchers, and other users of this rapidly growing area of environmental microbiology.

show abstract

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Microbial source tracking markers for detection of fecal contamination in environmental waters: relationships between pathogens and human health outcomes

Harwood

Staley

Badgley³

et al. 2014

FEMS Microbiol Rev

Self Cite

542

490

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Teaf et al (2011) provide an excellent review of the limitations and benefits of MST in the so-called legal arena where MST study results could be used to enforce change or create new regulations. As indicated previously, one of the primary goals of MST is to develop intervention strategies to reduce the potential risk to public health.…”

Section: Have the Results Of The Mst Methods Impacted And/or Assisted mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As indicated previously, Teaf et al (2011) provides an overview of the challenges of using MST with the intent of pursuing legal actions if the results indicate a specific pollution source. As indicated previously, Teaf et al (2011) provides an overview of the challenges of using MST with the intent of pursuing legal actions if the results indicate a specific pollution source.…”

Section: Enterococci In Tomato Productionmentioning

confidence: 99%