The LIDE's high-throughput molecular methods allow detection, quantification, and subtyping of microorganisms, including over 30 pathogens and fecal indicators. We are a Biosafety Level 2+ approved lab with extensive quality assurance/quality control protocols, and our rapid response team performs sample collection and analysis in outbreak situations. Learn more about our capabilities below.
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Bacterial Pathogens
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) studies the source, occurrence, and distribution of the bacterial pathogens Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC), Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus and the relation of occurrence of pathogens with fecal indicator bacteria, land-use, season, hydrology, geology, weather...
Antibiotic Resistance
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) conducts research on antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their genes. We have concentrated our studies on antibiotic-resistant bacteria of human-health concern, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Klebsiella and E. coli resistant to third-generation...
Microbial Source Tracking
It is often important to understand the source of fecal indicator bacteria, pathogens, or chemicals that impair the normal use of water. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their genes, specific bacterial pathogens (such as E. coli O157:H7 which is primarily associated with cattle), and host-associated bacterial genes (such as human or animal specific Bacteroides genes), can be used to evaluate the...
Microbiological Water Quality
Recreational water and industrial discharges are regulated by other federal and state agencies across the country. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) conducts studies to understand the fate and transport of fecal indicator bacteria in surface and groundwater to aid state and federal partners. A variety of standardized protocols are used to...
Sampling and analytical capabilities
Molecular and culture analysis methods are paired with sampling capabilities across environmental matrices to address a wide range of questions and problems. LIDE collects and analyzes samples from groundwater, surface water, runoff, wastewater, sediments, soil, manure, compost, digestate, and air.
Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) identifies and quantifies microorganisms in environmental samples by detecting a unique target sequence of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA).
Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA)
Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is a tool for estimating human health risks from exposure to pathogens via food, water, air, and other environmental routes.
Related Content
- Science
Bacterial Pathogens
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) studies the source, occurrence, and distribution of the bacterial pathogens Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC), Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus and the relation of occurrence of pathogens with fecal indicator bacteria, land-use, season, hydrology, geology, weather...Antibiotic Resistance
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) conducts research on antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their genes. We have concentrated our studies on antibiotic-resistant bacteria of human-health concern, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Klebsiella and E. coli resistant to third-generation...Microbial Source Tracking
It is often important to understand the source of fecal indicator bacteria, pathogens, or chemicals that impair the normal use of water. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their genes, specific bacterial pathogens (such as E. coli O157:H7 which is primarily associated with cattle), and host-associated bacterial genes (such as human or animal specific Bacteroides genes), can be used to evaluate the...Microbiological Water Quality
Recreational water and industrial discharges are regulated by other federal and state agencies across the country. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Michigan Bacteriological Research Laboratory (MI-BaRL) conducts studies to understand the fate and transport of fecal indicator bacteria in surface and groundwater to aid state and federal partners. A variety of standardized protocols are used to...Sampling and analytical capabilities
Molecular and culture analysis methods are paired with sampling capabilities across environmental matrices to address a wide range of questions and problems. LIDE collects and analyzes samples from groundwater, surface water, runoff, wastewater, sediments, soil, manure, compost, digestate, and air.Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) identifies and quantifies microorganisms in environmental samples by detecting a unique target sequence of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA).Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA)
Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is a tool for estimating human health risks from exposure to pathogens via food, water, air, and other environmental routes.