Detection of Pathogens in Wastewater
Rapid and specific identification of Clostridium perfringens. C. perfringens is one of the anaerobic bacteria that are able to survive for a long time even under unfavorable environmental conditions by forming spores. They are found everywhere in the environment, mainly in the soil, but also in the intestinal tract of humans and animals. The heat resistance of the spores is characteristic. VIT® Clostridium perfringens identifies the unwanted microorganisms quickly and easily.
Your Advantages
VIT® technology enables the targeted detection of individual microorganisms at population, genus or species level. The use of highly specific, rRNA-based gene probes ensures clear identification of the target organism directly in the sample.
The technology enables direct quantification of the target organisms in the sample. Using the VIT® Vision software, the population development can be recorded and reliably tracked over time. Even minor changes become visible even before the first abnormalities in the process parameters become apparent. This allows proactive intervention - before the chemical process values are impaired.
The analysis is carried out without complex sample purification or enrichment: the microorganisms are hybridized directly in activated sludge or other environmental samples and then evaluated microscopically. This preserves the natural matrix - a major advantage over methods based on cell isolation or DNA extraction.
The VIT® gene probes hybridize only with intact, metabolically active cells, as only these have sufficient amounts of ribosomal RNA. This means that only living Clostridium perfringens is detected, while dead or inactive cells are excluded.
In contrast, PCR only detects DNA, regardless of whether the cell is alive or dead. This means that dead cells can also be detected in PCR analyses.
Depending on the setup, it only takes a few hours from sample extraction to analysis. The hybridization is standardized, the analysis is performed by fluorescence microscopy and can also be carried out on site in routine environments. The evaluation and subsequent quantification can be carried out easily with the help of the VIT® Vision software.
The test kits are user-friendly and can be integrated into existing laboratory procedures with minimal training. Detection is carried out using fluorescence microscopy and does not require complex equipment or special software solutions. This makes the method particularly robust and user-independent.
Product Specifications
| Detection of | Clostridium perfringens |
| Samples that can be examined include | Isolates (direct) grown colonies (direct) Enrichments (direct) Sludge samples (direct) |
| Technology | VIT® gene probe technology |
| Evaluation | by means of VIT® adapted Fluorescence microscope |
| Type of analysis | qualitative detection |
| Scope of delivery | Analysis reagents Product manual |
| Package size | 25 analyses |
Handling and Analysis
The sample is prepared using a VIT® adapted fluorescence miscroscope. All bacteria are visible in phase contrast. All living bacteria glow green and C. perfringens specifically red.
You can also have your sample analyzed in our laboratory:
Laboratory analysis Clostridium perfringens
Why is Microbiological Monitoring so Important?
New bacteria of various origins are constantly entering the wastewater treatment plant through the wastewater. Pathogens are also included and can pose a risk to staff and the environment under certain circumstances. These include Legionella in particular, but also Salmonella, Campylobacter, Clostridia, including Clostridium perfringens, and Escherichia coli.
With VIT® gene probe technology, the pathogenic microorganisms can be identified and quantified directly in the wastewater and controlled quickly and reliably, thus preventing their spread. By eliminating the need for incorrect cultivation, the true extent of the contamination can be determined beyond doubt.
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VIT® Vision Software
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