Microbiology Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, September 27 2024

There are over 160 known species of Clostridium, a genus of anaerobic, Gram-positive bacteria. The bacteria can be found in the environment and in the intestinal tracts of animals, including humans.

Some species of Clostridium have been utilized for various commercial purposes, but others are significant human pathogens. Common sources of entry for humans is through trauma and the gastrointestinal tract. Some of these pathogens include:

• Clostridium perfringens is a spore-forming bacterium that is found in many environmental sources as well as in the intestines of humans and animals. It produces a toxin that causes illness and the CDC estimates it is responsible for nearly 1 million annual foodborne illnesses in just the United States. It is commonly linked to meat and poultry held at unsafe temperatures.
• Clostridium tetani - Tetanus is a serious infection caused by Clostridium tetani. It is characterized by generalized rigidity and convulsive spasms of skeletal muscles. The muscle stiffness usually involves the jaw and neck, and then becomes generalized.
• Clostridioides difficile - Formerly known as Clostridium difficile until it was reclassified into the Clostridioides genus in 2016, is often referred to as diff. CDC estimates it causes almost half a million infections in the U.S. each year. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) involving C. diff can be difficult to treat and cause serious concern.
• Clostridium sordellii, now known as Paeniclostridium sordellii, can be found in the environment and be carried by people. In rare cases, it can cause pneumonia, endocarditis, arthritis, peritonitis, myonecrosis, bacteremia, and sepsis.

“To help protect against exposure to Clostridium and other microbial pathogens, EMSL Analytical offers environmental, infection control, food, and product testing services to identify a wide range of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “With laboratories across North America, these resources can be used to test raw ingredients and finished products, support infection control efforts, confirm disinfection procedures, and help to track down the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred.”

EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about Clostridium and potential exposure risks that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/ExUliZiJ6YE 

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

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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.