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Discovering New Strains of Bacteria

Lecture to Explore How Scientists Identify New Germs

Written By Gino Geruntino '10, PR Intern

Contact - cleogrande@utica.edu

Utica, NY (10/03/2009) - Bill Wolfgang from the New York State Department of Health will present an interesting look into the processes of finding new species of bacteria and how they impact human beings.
   
According to the Division of Infectious Disease, there are approximately 50 discoveries of new bacteria each month. While most come from outside sources, such as soil, air, and water, three percent come from patients in hospitals and other facilities. It is the job of Wolfgang and other scientists at the Wadsworth Center to try to identify the bacteria that hospitals and clinics cannot.
   
By using classical culture methodology, and the new techniques of molecular DNA sequencing, many of the properties that these bacteria hold can be figured out. However, even with all of the technology that the Division of Infectious Disease has, some five percent of all bacteria remain unidentified. It is with the challenge of identifying all bacteria on Earth that keeps the group forever hunting.
   
As part of Utica College’s Asa Gray lecture series, “Discovery of New Bacterial Species from Clinical Specimens” will be presented October 5, at 4 p.m., in Donahue Auditorium, located in the Gordon Science Center. It is open to all students, faculty, and the public, free of charge. For other information on this or any other cultural event, visit www.utica.edu/culture.