Development of methods for the detection and quantification of 7α-dehydroxylating clostridia, Desulfovibrio vulgaris, Methanobrevibacter smithii, and Lactobacillus plantarum in human feces

Accurate detection and quantification of each bacterium using the described methods resulted when stool was processed immediately after collection. Storage of some members of the gut flora results in decrease in or loss of viability.