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DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOMARKER SYSTEM FOR DETECTING EXPOSURE TO WATERBORNE VIRAL PATHOGENS
Citation:
LI, L. AND A. P. DUFOUR. DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOMARKER SYSTEM FOR DETECTING EXPOSURE TO WATERBORNE VIRAL PATHOGENS. Presented at 2006 EPA Science Forum, Washington, DE, May 16 - 18, 2006.
Impact/Purpose:
To develop and evaluate methods for detecting biomarkers of exposure to infectious agents. In vitro tests for products associated with cellular and humoral immunity, such as IFN-� and antibodies, will be developed. The initial infectious agents to be investigated include viruses on the contaminant candidate list, such as coxsackievirus, echovirus, adenovirus and calicivirus.
Description:
EPA has published a drinking water contaminant candidate list (CCL) that includes waterborne pathogens and chemicals that may be considered for regulation at a future date. For each contaminant on the CCL, the Agency will need sufficient data to conduct analyses on the extent of exposure and the risk posed to populations via drinking water. Previous studies indicated that exposure to some microbes, including the CCL pathogen coxsackievirus B3 and B4, may be associated with serious long-term health consequences (sequela), such as myocarditis and type-1 diabetes. However, little is known about waterborne-associated infections by these microbes and their linkage to chronic diseases. This presentation discusses the development of a biomarker system for detecting expsoure to waterborne viral pathogens.