The relationship between the endotoxin tested by Limulus Lysate assay and the bacteriological indicators in water
Chen, L.Y.
Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi 20(6): 333-335
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-9624 PMID: 3568869 Document Number: 279277
This article describes screening the quality of 40 water samples by the Limulus Lysate assay method and compares it with the bacteriological indicators of the water samples as examined by conventional methods. The results was the contents of endotoxin in water samples from lakes, ponds and wells had positive correlation with Gram-negative bacteria and the total bacterial count. 16 samples of tap water which met the drinking water quality standards for total bacterial count and coliform organisms contained 102 ng/ml of endotoxin, while 20 water samples from lakes, ponds and wells which did not > 103 ng/ml of endotoxin. Hence, it is considered that a limited quantity of endotoxin in water could serve as a first screening in assessing the bacteriological indicators and the hygienic quality of drinking water. However, the endotoxin content in chlorinated water samples was found to be in negative correlation with the bacteriological indicators in the same water samples. This shows that the significance of the Limulus Lysate assay screening for chlorinated water would differ from that for unchlorinated water. The Limulus Lysate assay has the advantages of sensitivity, rapidity, simplicity, low cost, reproducibility and practicality.