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Microbiology Laboratory Testing Services

Category Press Release
Publish Date 8/13/2020
Author Paul Cochrane
Title Environmental Testing in California to Detect Sources of Mycobacterium avium to Mitigate Exposure Risks for Vulnerable Populations
Introduction LA Testing’s network of laboratories offer qPCR laboratory testing services to identify Mycobacterium avium, a microbial pathogen that cause serious infections.

Huntington Beach, CA, August 13th, 2020

 

In the state of California, multi-year clinical trials assessing antibiotic therapies to treat Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) disease are taking place on several university campuses. MAC involves two species of bacteria, Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare.

These species, which can be difficult to differentiate, can cause disease in humans and are found in various environmental settings across the globe. These include fresh water, salt water, hot water systems, soils, dusts, aerosols, foods, plants and with various types of animals.

Several different syndromes are associated with infections due to MAC. For those who are immuno-compromised, it often takes the form of a pulmonary pathogen. Disseminated infections are usually associated with HIV infection. Less commonly, pulmonary disease in people who are not immuno-compromised can be a result of infection with MAC. With children, the most common syndrome is cervical lymphadenitis according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This condition is defined by enlarged, tender and inflamed lymph nodes of the neck.

“Just last year, a research article about environmental sources of Mycobacterium avium complex was reported in the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases publication,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager of LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “Researchers found the bacteria in biofilms in a high percentage of household plumbing systems in a major city. Since these infections can be life-threatening for vulnerable populations, biofilm testing of plumbing systems and other environmental sources could help prevent infections, and reinfections, in healthcare settings and other sensitive environments.”

LA Testing’s network of laboratories utilize Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) techniques to detect Mycobacterium avium. This exceptionally accurate test provides for results in a very short period of time. LA Testing has also sponsored an educational video about Mycobacterium avium complex that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/gtxFovZuLqo.

To learn more about Mycobacterium avium or other microbial pathogens, contaminants and environmental testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 


About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals. In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: : AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), CDC ELITE, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states. LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro, San Diego and Ontario.

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