Cathy Test- DRAFT Cleanup of Non-Spore-Forming Agents Research
Find research on methods and considerations for wide-area outdoor remediation following contamination with non-spore-forming agents
Many microorganisms (fungi, protozoa, bacteria, viruses) are beneficial, even essential, to human health, ecosystem function, food production, global climate stability, and ocean health. However, a subset of microorganisms is pathogenic – or disease-causing – to other organisms. Environments contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms, in a manner that poses risk of disease to humans, may require risk mitigation measures to eliminate or reduce disease occurrence. EPA is authorized to respond to releases of biologicals into the environment, as pollutants or contaminants, to reduce risk and adverse impacts to human health and the environment.
This page summarizes EPA’s research and development of scientific products that support building capabilities for non-spore-forming biological agent incident responses. Please select from the agent type and/or topic area dropdown selectors to refine your search.
You can also view remaining capability & knowledge gaps in this area, including agent persistence, sampling & analysis, decontamination & disinfection, and waste management.
| Product & Link | Summary |
|---|---|
| Evaluating the Environmental Persistence and Inactivation of MS2 Bacteriophage and the Presumed Ebola Virus Surrogate Phi6 Using Low Concentration Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor | This article evaluates the environmental persistence and inactivation of MS2 bacteriophage and Phi6 using low concentration hydrogen peroxide vapor. Phi6 is an enveloped virus, the same classification of virus as Ebola virus. The study finds that both MS2 and Phi6 were effectively inactivated by low concentration hydrogen peroxide vapor within a short time. The results indicate that hydrogen peroxide vapor at low concentrations can be an effective method for environmental disinfection against viruses. This research has implications for the development of strategies to mitigate the spread of viral infections in healthcare settings and other environments where effective disinfection is crucial. |
| Determination of the Persistence of Non-Spore-Forming Biological Threat Agents in the Environment | This report focuses on determining the persistence of non-spore-forming biological threat agents (Yersinia pestis, Burkholderia mallei, Francisella tularensis) in the environment. The report provides insights into the environmental behavior and longevity of these biological agents, which can be used for assessing the risks associated with their potential release into the environment. The report contains information on methodologies, experimental findings, and recommendations for further research or mitigation strategies related to non-spore-forming biological threat agents. |
| Environmental Persistence of Vegetative Bacillus anthracis and Yersinia pestis | This article investigates the environmental persistence of vegetative Bacillus anthracis and Yersinia pestis. The study aims to understand how these two biological agents, which can cause anthrax and plague respectively, behave in the environment in their vegetative form. The article includes information on experimental findings, methodologies, and recommendations for further research related to the persistence of these pathogens in the environment. The study's results have implications for risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and public health measures related to these bacterial agents in environmental settings. |
Remaining Capability & Knowledge Gaps
Agent Persistence
Persistence of non-spore-forming microorganisms is relatively low compared to spore-forming agents. However, some environmental matrices and conditions can significantly extend the persistence of non-spore-formers. Additionally, some agents cause communicable disease, which helps them overcome relatively short persistency in the environment, in causing long-duration incidents or outbreaks. Understanding agent persistence, and factors that enhance or reduce persistence are valuable for prescribing risk reduction approaches. More work is needed in this area to understand and predict future biological incidents, outbreaks, and pandemics.
Sampling and Analysis
Rapid, readily available, low-cost environmental sample collection and sample analysis approaches are critical for large incident remediation, when response decisions rely on a full understanding of the types and extent of contamination involved. Much of the existing sample collection data was generated for Bacillus anthracis spores, which have high stability in collection media. A greater understanding is needed for non-spore-forming agent collection efficiency, sample storage stability, optimal sample processing methods, and rapid yet robust analytical methods. Work is needed to improve these methods to allow more rapid data generation and increase the speed and fidelity of decision making.
Decontamination and Disinfection
Decontamination of indoor and outdoor environments is difficult. High complexity, sensitive equipment, and high organic burdens often make decontaminant selection and application problematic and can reduce treatment effectiveness. Effective risk reduction measures must overcome these challenges. More work is needed to develop decontamination technologies, methods, and strategies for complex environments.
Waste Management
Effective and efficient waste management approaches are necessary for successful remediation. Waste generation begins with the first entry, and the management of incident waste poses significant cost and logistical challenges. Animal disease incidents can generate significant quantities of infectious carcass waste. Transport of wastes for off-site disposal may be warranted or required for particular incidents. Waste categorization also impacts logistics and costs. All aspects of waste management have the potential to be improved through innovation, research, and development. Safety of waste management workers while handling, transporting, treating, and disposing of waste must be maintained. Transportation of wastes that are designated as DOT Category A infectious agents can cause significant operational, logistical, and political challenges; waste management complications could be significantly reduced if on-site treatment could be done, allowing the waste to be categorized as conventional solid waste.