The analytic services of the Environmental Microbiology section detect potentially harmful microorganisms in many environmental matrices, including food and water. Such analyses are used in outbreak investigations to pinpoint the source of contamination and to assess the environmental impact from exposure to microbial contaminants. Culture confirmation of microorganisms is critical to perform DNA fingerprinting on food, environmental samples and clinical stool isolates to evaluate the scope of the local or national outbreak as part of remediation efforts.
Laboratory testing also supports statewide water surveillance programs to assess the overall safety of public and private drinking water supplies, surface waters (lakes and ponds), and recreational waters (pools and spas). Pathogen analyses of water, food and environmental surface samples are expanding with emphasis on Cryptosporidium, Legionella, Salmonella and Listeria.
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