Impact/Purpose:

The objective is to test a serum analysis method for MAC infection and, if the method is successful, to employ the test on blood drawn from a statistically representative sample in order to devlop the data needed to: 1) identify any trends in regional exposures to this group of organisms and 2) estimate the frequency of exposure in selected populations.

Description:

There is accumulating evidence that potable water is a source of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). The linkage of mycobacteriosis to drinking water has been shown in AIDS populations where up to 8% of deaths in this group is attributed to MAC. Infection with these organisms has not been well documented in the general population. It is known, however, that the frequency of MAC cases and laboratory isolations of these organisms have been increasing in recent years, especially in children. One approach to estimating the extent of exposure in regional populations would be to enlist the cooperation of a large military training facility, such as the U.S. Air Force Recruit Training Center, to test each incoming recruit for biomarkers of exposure to MAC. On average, over 17,000 recruits from across the U.S. have been cycled through this facility for the past three years.

Record Details:

Record Type:PROJECT

Start Date:09/01/2000

Projected Completion Date:09/01/2005

Record ID: 18312

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Project Information:

Progress :An interagency agreement has been established to evaluate an interferon induction assay as a tool for measuring exposure. This agreement is currently on hold while the PI is completing humansubjects forms, which should soon be submitted for Agency approval. The PI identified to conduct the field study has submitted a research proposal and it is currently under review. He is also preparing a quality assurrance plan for this study. The PI is also discussing with the Air Force the human consent forms and other human study requirements necessary for this project.



Relevance :Regional data on the prevalence of mycobacteriosis caused by specific mycobacterial species will provide information for risk managers to set public health priorities and for evaluating the impact of prevention and control measures. Research performed under this task is a high priority under the CCL; the data will be used to help OGWDW in determining whether or not to regulate MAC in potable water.

Clients :Dr. Paul Berger, OGWDW

Research Component :M/DBP (MICROBIAL)

Risk Paradigm :EXPOSURE

Progress :An interagency agreement has been established to evaluate an interferon induction assay as a tool for measuring exposure. This agreement is currently on hold while the PI is completing humansubjects forms, which should soon be submitted for Agency approval. The PI identified to conduct the field study has submitted a research proposal and it is currently under review. He is also preparing a quality assurrance plan for this study. The PI is also discussing with the Air Force the human consent forms and other human study requirements necessary for this project.



Relevance :Regional data on the prevalence of mycobacteriosis caused by specific mycobacterial species will provide information for risk managers to set public health priorities and for evaluating the impact of prevention and control measures. Research performed under this task is a high priority under the CCL; the data will be used to help OGWDW in determining whether or not to regulate MAC in potable water.

Clients :Dr. Paul Berger, OGWDW

Research Component :CCL (MICROBIAL)

Risk Paradigm :EXPOSURE

Project IDs:

ID Code :EX.M.22

Project type :ORD-DW Plan

ID Code :5440

Project type :OMIS