The objective of this study was to demonstrate that ribosomal RNA-targeted techniques
could be used to quantify viable microorganisms when determining disinfection efficacy. The
authors have developed a new technique to simultaneously measure ribosomal RNA as well as
precursor ribosomal RNA, a key intermediate in the production of ribosomes. Ribosomal RNA
and precursor ribosomal RNA were measured simultaneously in cultures of Acinetobacter
calcoaceticusT and Mycobacterium mucogenicum. The results demonstrate that precursor ribosomal
RNA is a sensitive measure of viability. The authors believe this approach holds tremendous
promise for verifying disinfection efficacy for microorganisms using molecular biology-based
monitoring. In the future, coupling the rapid developments in molecular biology-based technology
with the critical measurement of cellular viability via detection of ribosome genesis may change the
way disinfectants are evaluated. Includes 12 references, figures.