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Division of Foodborne, Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases (DFBMD)
Bacterial Zoonoses Branch - Laboratory Submission Information
Special Bacteriology Reference Laboratory (SBRL)
Laboratory Activities
The Special Bacteriology Reference Laboratory (SBRL) of the Bacterial Zoonoses Branch (BZB) provides reference services for unusual, rare, or novel Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria (for examples, see below). SBRL is comprised of three laboratory units (Actinomycetes Unit, Unusual Pathogens Unit, and Genomics Unit) that collaborate closely to provide state-of-the-art reference identification of these bacteria. Note that SBRL does not provide services for select agents (e.g., Bacillus anthracis, Brucella species, Burkholderia mallei, Burkholderia pseudomallei), anaerobic bacteria, or culture-negative specimens derived from putative bacterial infections.
Actinomycetes Unit (DASH Unit #38)
Works on the identification of:
- Nocardioform bacteria
- Ex: Nocardia sp.
- Filamentous/branching Gram-positive bacteria
- Ex: Streptomyces sp.
- NOTE: This Unit performs antimicrobial susceptibility testing services for aerobic actinomycetes according to CLSI guidelines upon request.
Unusual Pathogens Unit (DASH Unit #17)
Works on the identification of:
- Gram-positive rods
- Ex: Corynebacterium sp. (EXCEPT C. diphtheria)
- Gram-negative non-fermentative rods
- Ex: Stenotrophomonas sp.
- Fastidious bacteria
- Ex: Capnocytophaga sp.
- NOTE: This Unit does not provide susceptibility testing services.
Genomics Unit
Works on the molecular characterization of bacteria submitted to either the Actinomycetes Unit or the Unusual Pathogens Unit, or other Units within CDC.
General Methodology
Reference identification of pure bacterial isolates is the primary activity provided by SBRL. A multi-faceted identification approach includes macro- and microscopic assessment of cultures, traditional biochemical testing, and sequencing of ribosomal and other DNA targets.
Shipping Isolates
All isolates for analysis by SBRL should be sent and processed through the state public health laboratory.Pure bacterial isolates should be grown on solid media in tightly sealed containers (e.g., slants) and sent through the CDC DASH system using DASH form 50.34.Isolates for the Actinomycetes Unit should be sent to DASH unit #38, and isolates for the Unusual Pathogens Unit should be sent to DASH unit #17.
The shipping address for the DASH system is:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Data & Specimen Handling Section (DASH)
Mailstop G12
1600 Clifton Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30333
Additional Information
If additional information is needed about the reference activities performed at SBRL, please call 1-800-CDC-INFO or 1-800-232-4636.
Zoonoses and Select Agent Laboratory (ZSAL)
Laboratory Activities
The Zoonoses and Select Agent Laboratory (ZSAL) of the Bacterial Zoonoses Branch (BZB) provides a variety of reference activities for the following bacteria:
- Bacillus anthracis
- Detection and isolation
- Culture identification and genotyping
- Leptospira spp. (including L. interrogans)
- Detection and isolation
- Culture identification and genotyping
- Serology
- Serotyping
- Brucella spp. (including B. abortus, B. canis, B. melitensis, B. suis)
- Detection and isolation
- Culture identification and genotyping
- Serology (B. canis serology currently not available)
- Burkholderia spp. (including B. mallei, B. pseudomallei)
- Detection and isolation
- Culture identification and genotyping
Shipping
All isolates and specimens for analysis by ZSAL should be sent and processed through the state public health laboratory.Bacterial isolates being sent for culture identification should be grown on solid media in tightly sealed containers (e.g. slants). Serum samples for serological testing should be sent in pairs, including an acute (≤7 days after symptom onset) and a convalescent-phase (14-35 days after symptom onset) specimen. It is recommended that the convalescent-phase specimen be taken 2 weeks after the acute specimen.Serum samples should be sent in a Sarstedt 2 ml microtube with an O-ring in the lid.Refrigeration of serum samples is preferred; however, if the sample was previously frozen, it should be sent frozen.Whole blood samples should NOT be sent for serological testing.
Samples should be sent through the CDC DASH system and should be accompanied by DASH Form 50.34.Samples sent for B. anthracis, Burkholderia spp., and Brucella spp. testing (except samples for brucellosis serology) should be addressed to DASH unit 91.Samples sent for brucellosis serology or Leptospira spp. testing should be addressed to DASH unit 22.See below for select agent shipping and reporting requirements.
The shipping address for the DASH system is:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Data & Specimen Handling Section (DASH)
Mailstop G12
1600 Clifton Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30333
Select Agents
Confirmed isolates of select agents sent for further characterization require an approved Form 2 from the National Select Agent Registry (NSAR) prior to shipping. Also, confirmed isolates of select agents identified in a clinical or diagnostic lab must be reported via Form 4. See the NSAR website for the rules, regulations, and forms for transferring and reporting select agents.
Additional Information
If additional information is needed about the reference activities performed at ZSAL, please call 1-800-CDC-INFO or 1-800-232-4636.
Specimen Submission
Request to Transfer Select Agents and Toxins
Report of Identification of a Select Agent or Toxin in a Clinical or Diagnostic Laboratory
Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only as *.pdf files. These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to be viewed. Please review the information on downloading and using Acrobat Reader software.
Content Source: National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases (ZVED)
Program Contents
Contact Information
1600 Clifton Road NE
MS-C09
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: +1-800-311-1603