Existing Methods of Waterborne Pathogen Detection - Waterborne Pathogens: Detection Methods and Applications - page 49

Table 3.1 Characteristics of conventional and alternative fecal indicators in terms of prediction of fecal pollution and associated
pathogens—cont'd

Alternative fecal indicators

Bacteroides spp. Bifidobacterium spp. Clostridium perfringens

Applied methodology Increasing usage of molecular

methods to identify the origin
of recent or extensive fecal
contamination using host-
specific genetic markers

Identification of source of recent
fecal pollution by molecular
methods using host-specific
genetic markers

Commonly culture-based
methods

Alternative fecal indicators

F-specific RNA coliphage B. fragilis phage Fecal sterols

Presence in the feces and
environmental waters

Present in human and animal
feces as well as in sewage; well
correlated with source of fecal
contamination

Mainly found in human fecal
samples, therefore, could
serve as specific index for
human fecal pollution; isolated
from sewage and fecally
polluted waters

Considerable amount in
animal feces; indicate
relatively fresh fecal
pollution in water column;
presence in sediments may
indicate old or remote
fecal pollution;
suitable for tropical and
temperate regions

Ability to multiply and
survive in water
environment

Possibility to replicate in
sewage; relatively sensitive to
high temperatures, sunlight at
high salinity; similar persistence
with enteric viruses especially
in freshwaters

Do not replicate in the
environment; high survival
in the environment; always
outnumber human enteric
viruses

Aerobically degraded in
water column; under
anoxic condition readily
incorporated into
sediments