BioMEMS device to track Mycobacterium in clinical environments

ENVR 43

Daniel B. Oerther, Daniel.Oerther@uc.edu1, Kristin Mack2, Erik Peterson3, Ian Papautsky, Ian.Papautsky@uc.edu3, and Brian Kinkle, brian.kinkle@uc.edu2. (1) Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Deparment of Biological Science, University of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 210071, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0071, (2) Department of Biological Science, University of Cincinnati, P.O. Box 210071, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0071, (3) Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 814 Rhodes Hall, Cincinnati, OH 45221
Mycobacterium avium and its relatives cause lethal infections in immunocompromised individuals. Because M. avium has been found in drinking water distribution systems, the U.S. EPA placed M. avium on the Drinking Water Contaminant Candidate List. This presentation details the development of a biological micro-electrical-mechanical system (BioMEMS) device to screen for Mycobacterium and the application of this device to document occurrence and identity of Mycobacterium in first flush and standard flush bulk water samples collected in healthcare facilities. Mycobacterium was found to occur in 100% of samples using a ten-week-long traditional culturing method. Within twenty-four hours, the BioMEMS device identified Mycobacterium in seven of nineteen sources (37%) and correlated to the standard method by correctly identifying the presence of Mycobacterium in 12 of 40 (30%) samples. Thus, the BioMEMS device shows promise to reduce the clinical exposure of sensitive populations to Mycobacterium if used as an early warning device.
 

Recent Developments in Sensors and Sensor Networks for Contaminants in Environmental Systems
8:30 AM-11:45 AM, Monday, August 20, 2007 Boston Park Plaza -- Beacon Hill Rm, Oral

Division of Environmental Chemistry

The 234th ACS National Meeting, Boston, MA, August 19-23, 2007