Microbiology Testing Services

Earlier this year, health officials confirmed dozens of cases of histoplasmosis in the Tennessee counties of Williamson and Maury, including at least one reported fatality. Public health authorities continue to investigate the source of exposure as concerns grow about potential environmental risk factors.

 

Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which is commonly found in the environment, particularly in soil or materials contaminated with large accumulations of bird droppings or bat guano. When these contaminated materials are disturbed, microscopic fungal spores can become airborne.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people can develop histoplasmosis after inhaling these spores. While many exposed individuals experience no symptoms or only mild illness that resolves without treatment, others may develop symptoms within 3 to 17 days after exposure. These symptoms can include fever, cough, fatigue, chills, headache, chest pain, and body aches. Infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for severe disease.

 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) warns that anyone who works in environments where Histoplasma may be present could be at risk of infection. Occupations identified as higher risk include construction, demolition, and renovation workers, as well as farmers, landscapers, and bridge workers, among others. Importantly, outbreaks have also occurred in workplaces where employees were not directly involved in activities that disturbed contaminated materials.

 

“As communities in Tennessee confront this concerning rise in histoplasmosis cases, the role of accurate, timely laboratory testing has never been more vital,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “To help protect the public, there are effective methods to test environmental samples for the presence of Histoplasma. EMSL Analytical is pleased to offer environmental testing services and sampling supplies for Histoplasma and many other microbial pathogens and airborne pollutants.”

 

To further support education and awareness, EMSL has sponsored an informational video discussing histoplasmosis and Histoplasma exposure risks, which can be viewed at:

https://youtu.be/ay-uv9Bt1DE

 

For more information about EMSL’s environmental testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

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.