Pathogen detection and sensors

V.B. RAJAL; S. WUERTZ

Davis, California, USA

Workshop; Sensors, Sensor Networks, and Sensor Applications; 2004

Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS)

Environmental water samples offer many challenges for the sensitive and reliable detection of pathogens due to their chemical and microbiological complexity. The scope of our work is the detection of human entero-viruses and adenoviruses. Viruses are present in water samples in such low numbers that a concentration step is necessary prior to detection. Quantitative detection by Real Time-PCR (Taqman) is possible despite the presence of enzymatic inhibitors; although the procedure is laborious and time consuming. The development of micro sensors, capable of detecting different pathogens in situ and in real time, would be of considerable benefit to public health protection.