The Environmental Microbiology Minimum Information (EMMI) Guidelines: qPCR and dPCR Quality and Reporting for Environmental Microbiology

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01767
• Publication Date: 2021-07-21T15:46:17Z
• Authors: Mark A. Borchardt; Alexandria B. Boehm; Marc Salit; Susan K. Spencer; Krista R. Wigginton; Rachel T. Noble
• Keywords: Comparability

Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and digital PCR (dPCR) methods have revolutionized environmental microbiology, yielding organism-specific data of nucleic acid targets in the environment. Such are essential for characterizing interactions processes microbial communities, assessing contaminants environment (water, air, fomites), developing interventions (water treatment, surface disinfection, air purification) to curb infectious disease transmission. However, our review recent qPCR dPCR literature field health-related microbiology showed that many researchers not reporting necessary sufficient controls methods, which would serve strengthen their study results conclusions. Here, we describe application, utility, interpretation suite needed make high quality measurements microorganisms Our presentation is organized by discrete steps operations typical this measurement process. We propose systematic terminology minimize ambiguity aid comparisons among studies. Example schemes batching combining efficient work flow demonstrated. critical elements enhancing credibility, provide an element checklist Supporting Information. Additionally, present several key principles metrology as context laboratories devise own assurance control framework. Following EMMI guidelines will improve comparability reproducibility studies better inform engineering public health actions preventing transmission through pathways, most pressing issues discipline, focus weight evidence direction toward solutions.