Pure Air Control Services and the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory are pleased to introduce "Under The Scope", a new section of the IEQ REVIEW.  There are over 100,000 species of fungi. Many fungi are good and useful (edible mushrooms would be an example of these) while some cause problems (some fungi can injure plants and humans). Every week the IEQ Review will describe a specific microorganism, its morphological origin and potential health effects.  If you would like to know about a specific organism and/or would like it published in The IEQ Review please email Dr. Rajiv Sahay with the Environmental Diagnostics Laboratory (EDL) at Pure Air Control Services laboratory@pureaircontrols.com

This week we will cover...

Enterobacter aerogenes: An aerobic gram-negative bacillus that grows readily on most microbiological media producing either a smooth or a mucoid colony.  It is part of the normal intestinal flora in humans and animals and has been isolated from dairy products, soil, water and sewage.

Clinical Relevance:

E. aerogenes is an important cause of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections in humans.

For more information contact:

Dr. Rajiv R. Sahay, Laboratory Manager

(800) 422-7873 ext. 304

laboratory@pureaircontrols.com