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HRC >> Microbiology >> Research
Research
Current research at the Microbiology Division is focused on the development and validation of techniques for the enhanced detection, identification, and enumeration of airborne and surface-associated microorganisms.
Completed projects include:
- National Science Foundation and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis method for the detection of airborne bacteria was developed and tested for environmental interference using a genetically-modified vegetative gram-negative bacterium.
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL)
Three bioaerosol samplers were evaluated for the collection of airborne bacteria into a liquid collection fluid. Aerosol releases were conducted in the UNLV test chamber and samples were analyzed by culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR).
- National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Two volumetric air samplers were compared during sample collection at a federal agency office complex. Samples were analyzed for the isolation of culturable fungi, heterotrophic bacteria, and vegetative gram-negative bacteria using a variety of isolation media and culture conditions.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Air samples collected from classrooms throughout the United States were analyzed for culturable fungi, heterotrophic bacteria, and thermophilic bacteria. The data were compared to determine the variability between the volumes of air sampled, sampling seasons and time of day when the samples were collected.
- North American Thermal Insulation Manufacturers’ Association (NAIMA)
The airborne concentration of fungal spores dispersed from three types of contaminated air handling system duct materials was determined in a series of experiments conducted in the UNLV test chamber. Bioaerosol samplers and an aerodynamic particle sizer were used to determine the concentration of Penicillium chrysogenum culturable spores, total P. chrysogenum spores, and P. chrysogenum-sized particles during operation cycles of the chamber air handling system.
- E.I. DuPont de Nemours Co.
The airborne concentration of fungal spores dispersed from contaminated flooring materials was determined in a series of experiments conducted in the UNLV test chamber. Bioaerosol samplers and an aerodynamic particle sizer were used to determine the concentration of culturable spores, total Penicillium chrysogenum spores, and P. chrysogenum-sized particles during human activity within the chamber.
- Edgewood Research, Development and Engineering Center
Surface sampling methods were compared for collection of a gram-positive endospore-forming bacterium applied to flooring materials. Studies were conducted on a variety of flooring materials using culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) analysis.
- Technical Support Working Group, Department of Defense (DOD)
Research involved the evaluation of surface sampling strategies on a variety of surface materials common to non-battlefield settings using culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) sample analysis. Test microorganisms were a vegetative bacterium, an endospore-forming bacterium, and a single-stranded RNA virus as surrogates of bioterrorism agents. Additional tasks were focused on the development of large area surface sampling methodologies, and efficacy testing of two decontamination strategies, a foam decontaminant and chlorine dioxide gas.
- Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense, Department of Defense (DOD)
Evaluation of a large area surface sampler (BiSKit) for the collection of biocontaminants in indoor environments was performed in laboratory and test chamber experiments. Analysis included culture and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) of three target organisms, a vegetative bacterium, an endospore-forming bacterium, and a bacteriophage, that served as surrogates of bioterrorism agents.
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
This study established sample processing and analysis methods for the detection of microorganisms in the spacecraft environment. DNA purification methods and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) assays were optimized for the detection of Aspergillus fumigatus and Stachybotrys chartarum (two fungi of concern in indoor environments); and processing and analysis protocols were developed and validated in the laboratory with air, surface, and water samples seeded with the target organisms.
- Planning Initiative Award (UNLV)
The local prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization in healthy children was determined. MRSA isolates were characterized in the laboratory for antibiotic susceptibility, and analyzed by culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with regard to several key strain-specific features that will assist in developing recommendations for selecting antimicrobial therapy.
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