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Biohazard Assessment
Research Branch
The Biohazard Assessment Research Branch (BARB) focuses on the development of methods to detect non-free living waterborne pathogens that impact public health. These stable environmental pathogens can be broken down into two broad classes, the parasitic protozoans and the enteric viruses. Branch scientists work on several pathogens in each class, including:
| Protozoa | Viruses |
| Cryptosporidium | calicivirus |
| Giardia | astrovirus |
| Toxoplasma gondii | enterovirus |
| Cyclospora cayetanesis | adenovirus |
| Microsporidia | rotavirus |
| hepatitis A virus | |
| hepatitis E virus | |
To develop methods to detect these pathogens, a variety of techniques are used. These techniques include:
- Cell Culture: Assays based on these techniques can detect viable pathogens. New approaches to cell culture are being developed so that infection can be more rapidly detected.
- Molecular Methods: These techniques detect an organism's nucleic acid and include PCR, reverse transcription PCR, nucleic acid hybridization, fluorescent in-situ hybridization, and microarrays.
- Microscopy: Various microscopic methods are used in evaluating samples for the presence of the protozoan parasites.
- Concentration and Purification Procedures: Isolating pathogens from environmental water is a critical part of method development. To address these needs, several techniques are being developed and employed, including the use of aptamers, antibodies and novel filters, all of which are designed to better separate pathogens from water.
- Biomarkers: These approaches are used to detect the exposure of individuals to these organisms. Current efforts are focused on detecting antibodies to viruses in saliva as a way of detecting recent infection.
The molecular biologists, parasitologists and virologists in the Branch collaborate with many groups within the EPA including the other Office of Research and Development labs, the Regions, and our primary stakeholder, the Office of Water. In addition, Branch members often work with government scientists from other agencies such as U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as with scientists in academia and industry.
Ultimately, the goal of the Branch is to develop rapid, reliable methods that can be used to monitor water for the presence of infectious agents and to detect human exposure to these agents. With these tools, the EPA will be better able to protect the public health.
Branch Chief
Dr. Ann Grimm