The invention relates to the field of estimating a microbial count in a
sample using molecular techniques. The invention furthermore relates to a
kit for performing such estimation and use of the estimation method for
providing bacterial cell counts in milk and for diagnosing infectious
conditions in animals and human beings. Furthermore, the invention
relates to a method for quality control of food (especially milk and
dairy products), feed and water samples using molecular techniques.
Reproducible and reliable estimates of a microbial count can be obtained
using a molecular hybridisation assay between a target nucleic acid
sequence and a labelled probe. Proper calibration and quantitative
recording of the signal produced by the label can estimate a microbial
count. One important feature of the invention is the use of locked
nucleic acid (LNA) monomers in the probes.
