Environmental Testing to Identify Flesh Eating Bacteria and Other Microbial Pathogens

In August, WCBD published a report about a South Carolina man that almost lost his arm due to necrotizing fasciitis after swimming in a lake. According to the article, the man had a cut on his arm when he went swimming and this is where doctors believe two types of bacteria entered his body.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe necrotizing fasciitis, commonly referred to as “flesh eating bacteria,” as a bacterial infection of the tissue under the skin that surrounds muscles, nerves, fat and blood vessels. Necrotizing fasciitis can result in a loss of limbs and even death so an accurate diagnosis, rapid antibiotic treatment and prompt surgery are important for stopping this type of infection.

The CDC reports that many types of bacteria can cause this type of infection, including:

• Group A Streptococcus 
• Bacterioides
• Klebsiella
• Clostridium
• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Staphylococcus aureus
• Aeromonas hydrophila

 
“Fortunately, necrotizing fasciitis is rare and a person’s chances of getting it is extremely low if they have a healthy immune system and practice good hygiene and proper wound care,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Some of these same types of bacteria are also associated with healthcare-associated infections, food poisoning, sewage contamination and other detrimental conditions. At EMSL, we offer environmental, surface, food and medical device testing to identify these and other microbial pathogens. Testing can identify exposure risks and prevent infections. In sensitive indoor environments such as healthcare facilities, testing also helps to proactively pinpoint any lapses in infection control procedures.”  

EMSL also recently sponsored an educational video about necrotizing fasciitis that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/jUcDqE3KDmA .

To learn more about microbial testing or other environmental 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 over 45 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, VOC’s, 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.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail