ESU's Applied DNA Sciences Facility Opens New Northeast Infectious Disease Diagnostic Laboratory As Extension of Current Work

The Applied DNA Sciences Facility at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania announces its new Northeast Infectious Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. The purpose of the new laboratory is to understand and combat the threat of infectious diseases. It will focus on vector borne diseases that affect humans, domestic pets, and wildlife and its services, which are available to local, regional, state and national markets, including the general public, will complement those of the Applied DNA Sciences Facility.

The laboratory offers diagnostic service for the presence of certain vectored pathogens that are the causative agents for a number of infectious diseases. Ticks removed from either humans or animals such as dogs, cats, and livestock can be submitted for identification, and for pathogen screening to determine whether or not it is infected.

The Northeast Infectious Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Pennsylvania Monroe County Vector Control are currently conducting a surveillance program, determining the prevalence of four pathogenic agents vectored by the deer tick, in Monroe County, PA.

The laboratory also provides training for undergraduate and graduate students. The goal of the Applied DNA Sciences Laboratory is to merge the boundaries between the medical and environmental sciences, and in so doing, create opportunities at ESU for research and training in the epidemiology of agents affecting both human health and the natural environment.

Prior to the existence of the Northeast Infectious Disease Laboratory at ESU, samples from Monroe County had to be sent out of state. The laboratory's focus in commercialization of infectious disease diagnostics is to be able to meet a growing need for such services as well as develop tools and procedures that will allow for quicker, more efficient and less costly diagnostic capabilities. The Student Internship Program at the Northeast Infectious Disease Diagnostic Laboratory emphasizes the practical application of technologies, methodologies, and practices related to infectious diseases. While the students cannot be involved directly in the diagnostic portion of the testing, the program offers them rich and diversified research opportunities in a variety of areas ranging from basic studies of epidemiology, diagnostics, forensics, wildlife genetics, and ecology of vector–borne diseases. Out–reach programs of the Northeast Infectious Disease Diagnostic Laboratory provide educational materials for residents of Monroe County.

For more information on ESU's Northeast Infectious Disease Diagnostic Laboratory contact Gary Fromert, Laboratory Manager, at (570) 422–7885 or (570) 422–7891.