A rapid qPCR screen for avian infectious organisms.

During the course of an indoor air quality (IAQ) investigation, it is not uncommon to find bird or bat droppings in attics, on ledges, and around HVAC systems on roofs. In addition to their repugnant psychological effect, these droppings may represent a significant threat to the health of the building occupants because they can contain pathogenic organisms.

Two pathogenic fungi sometimes found in these droppings are Histoplasma capsulatum (Ajellomyces capsulatum) and Cryptococcus neoformans. These fungi can cause histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis. Histoplasmosis is a disease that primarily affects the lungs. Its symptoms vary, but can include respiratory distress, fever, dry cough, and chest pains. Cryptococcosis is a disease that usually affects only immunocompromised individuals. The symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to, in the most serious form of the illness, meningoencephalitis. Another potential pathogen sometimes found in bird (but not bat) droppings is a bacterium called Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci), the causal agent of psittacosis, or parrot fever.

Testing for these organisms in environmental samples is now more practical than in the past because of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). With qPCR analysis, genetic material specific to the target organisms--in this case the avian pathogens--is reliably amplified by thousands to millions of times, and samples can be identified and quantified within just a few hours instead of days.

For more information, visit Aerotech P & K's Web site at www.aertotechlabs.com.

Technical Briefs presents short but information-packed items on a variety of field-related topics in environmental health. The information this month is provided courtesy of two sister corporations that specialize in environmental health laboratory testing: Precision Analytical Laboratories, Inc., and Aerotech Laboratories, Inc., both based in Phoenix, Arizona. Readers interested in receiving additional information about Precision Analytical Laboratories and Aerotech Laboratories, including information about how to subscribe to a free "Tech Tips" listserv for environmental health professionals, can contact Aerotech Laboratories/Precision Analytical Laboratories at 2020 West Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85027. Aerotech and Precision also can be reached by phone at [phone] or [phone]; by fax at [phone]; or on the Internet at www.aerotechlabs.com or www.palabs.com.