CDC Turns to EMSL Analytical, Inc. for Assistance in Legionella Research

EMSL Analytical Inc. Participates in CDC Study by Providing Non-Outbrea k Associated Legionella Isolates

Westmont, NJ

Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 accounts for roughly 90% of legionellosis reported in North America. Recent advances in DNA sequence based typing (SBT) of strains have demonstrated that many fall into closely related sequence types. Because most of CDC’s strains are associated with outbreaks, it is unknown whether the prevalence of these sequence types is due to hypervirulence, over-representation in nature or other factors. CDC research seeks to survey the sequence types of L. pneumophila serogroup 1 strains not associated with disease which are present at different locations and different seasons across North America to understand their normal distribution in the environment.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. will provide CDC with L. pneumophila serogroup 1 isolates from environmental samples taken at different times of the year from sites throughout North America on an on-going basis.

According to CDC, each year an estimated 8,000-18,000 cases of Legionnaires’ Disease occur in the U.S. with fatality rates between 5 to 40%. Of those who survive, there are often serious long term health consequences after recovery. Legionnaires’ Disease is caused by the inhalation of aerosolized water contaminated with Legionella bacteria. It is an illness that is completely preventable provided routine monitoring and maintenance of potable water and cooling tower water systems are conducted.

EMSL Analytical Westmont, NJ, Houston, TX, and EMSL dba LA Testing in South Pasadena, CA will participate in the CDC study. “We are honored and very excited to assist CDC in this very important and interesting study” reported Diane Miskowski, Business Development Manager at EMSL Analytical. “We expect the results of the study to help us understand the environmental distribution of the different strains of this species and how those strains may impact the epidemiology of the disease.”

EMSL and LA Testing have been offering laboratory services since 1981. For more information on legionella testing services and products provided by EMSL please call (800) 220-3675 x1218 or go to www.LegionellaTesting.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of quality environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading laboratory accrediting organizations as well as state and federal regulatory agencies.

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President, Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

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