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Microbial Exposure Research
Microbial Exposure Research identifies and characterize pathogens associated with bioaerosols and aquatic environments, and to measure the exposure of these pathogens to humans. The research includes the development of methods (culture and molecular-based) to purify, identify and characterize pathogens, microbial toxins and allergens, as well as fecal indicator bacteria. Much of the effort is focused on understanding the occurrence of these agents in indoor air, drinking water (distribution system and biofilm) and recreational water.
Other methods developed by Microbial Exposure Research include molecular methods (DNA fingerprinting) to compare environmental organisms with human isolates, and serological methods to measure exposures to microorganisms and their products. The serological methods utilize antibodies from sera, urine or saliva as biomarkers of exposure. Animal models are also being developed to characterize the virulence of microbes isolated from the environment compared to clinical isolates. EPA also carries out field studies to monitor human exposures to hazardous microbes or their toxins. These field studies combine environmental monitoring techniques with serological methods to measure exposures and human responses simultaneously.