PCR/DNA Testing

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, August 15, 2023

Histoplasmosis is the name for an infection caused by a fungus known as Histoplasma capsulatum. The fungus lives in the environment, particularly in soil or other materials that contain large amounts of bird or bat droppings.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that Histoplasma spores circulate in the air after contaminated materials are disturbed. When people breathe in the spores, they are at risk of developing histoplasmosis. Fortunately, most people who are exposed to Histoplasma never have symptoms and others may have symptoms that go away on their own. Symptoms may appear between 3 and 17 days after exposure and may include fever, cough, fatigue, chills, headache, chest pain and body aches. The very young, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for developing severe forms of the infection.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) warns that anyone who works with or near materials contaminated with Histoplasma could develop histoplasmosis. Examples of workers listed by NIOSH that could be at risk include those involved with construction, demolition and renovation work, farmers, landscapers, and bridge workers to name a few. Outbreaks have also occurred in the workplace with workers not directly involved in the activities that caused the outbreak.

“About a third of the histoplasmosis outbreaks in the U.S. are work-related reports NIOSH,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To protect workers, building occupants and the public, there are ways to test the environment for the presence of Histoplasma. EMSL Analytical offers environmental testing services and sampling supplies for Histoplasma and many other microbial pathogens and airborne pollutants.”

EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about histoplasmosis and Histoplasma exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/ay-uv9Bt1DE

To learn more about this or other environmental testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.