Microbiology performs whole-genome sequencing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis on all isolates of Salmonella, Shigella, E.coli and Listeria. The section continues to address the challenges of increased specimens as a result of culture-independent diagnostic testing.

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms in humans that are, or may be, the cause of illness. Specialized testing is performed in several areas: bacteriology, parasitology, mycobacteriology (tuberculosis) and mycology (fungi).

The Microbiology section supports IDPH, all county health agencies and hospitals throughout the state by isolating, identifying and characterizing pathogens that are of public health significance. The section also performs all rabies testing associated with human exposure and performs enteric pathogen serotyping. It uses pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to determine the DNA fingerprint of bacteria and is a member of the CDC’s PulseNet, which uses these fingerprints to detect and define local and multi-state foodborne outbreaks.

Selected section staff participate in the CDC Laboratory Response Network, which responds quickly to biological, chemical and radiological threats and other high priority public health emergencies. They are able to perform confirmatory testing of suspect agents of bioterrorism.