MARC 10 "QUATRA-CIDE"
A broad spectrum hospital-grade disinfectant, which is also a cleaner, detergent, fungicide, deodorizer, virucide and mildewstat. Controls numerous bacteria and viruses including Hepatitis B and HIV-1 (AIDS). May also be used as a carpet sanitizer and laundry additive. EPA registered. 

MARC 33 LEMON DISINFECTANT
A cleaner, disinfectant, mildewstat, fungicide, and virucide for hospitals, nursing homes, school, etc. Controls AIDS virus. Fresh lemon fragrance. EPA registered.  

MARC 34 MARCICIDE IV
Cleans, disinfects, deodorizes, sanitizes. Kills bacteria, viruses, fungi. Designed for hospital and institutional use where controlling cross-contamination is of prime importance. Pleasant scent. EPA registered. 

MARC 37 MARCICIDE II
A pine disinfectant, cleaner, deodorant. Effective against a wide variety of bacteria. Kills Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Staph, viruses. Also controls mildew. EPA registered. 

MARC 38 MARCICIDE I
Cleans, disinfects, deodorizes, sanitizes. Kills bacteria, viruses (including AIDS), fungi. Gives the assurance needed in controlling the hazard of cross-contamination in hospitals, nursing homes, schools. Has no fragrance or dye. EPA registered. 

MARC 38-AAA MARCICIDE III
A highly concentrated, non-phosphate one-step germicide with organic soil load tolerance. Functions as a cleaner, disinfectant, deodorizer, fungicide, virucide and sanitizer for hospital and institutional use. Use-dilution is a very economical one-half ounce per gallon water. Pleasant scent. EPA registered. 

MARC 50-D BOWL CLEANER
Designed for hospital use. Based on twin chain quaternary ammonium compounds and acid compatible detergent systems to disinfect and remove stains in one easy step. Pleasant scent. EPA registered. 

MARC 79 "NAC" NON-ACID BOWL CLEANER
A ready-to-use multi-purpose hospital use and broad spectrum disinfectant, cleaner, deodorizer, fungicide and virucide (against HIV-1 [AIDS] and Herpes). Contains no abrasives. EPA registered. 

MARC 87 NEUTRON NEUTRAL FLOOR CLEANER
Formulated at a neutral pH, yet provides effective disinfecting strength that will not dull high gloss floor finishes.  Effective against MRSA, VRE, HIV, etc.

MARC 105 GERMICIDAL MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER (aerosol)
With "Foam Action". Disinfects and deodorizes as it cleans. EPA registered. 

MARC 107 ROOM SERVICE TOTAL RELEASE DISINFECTANT/DEODORANT (aerosol)
A citrus-scented hospital grade, broad-spectrum disinfectant, sanitizer and deodorant with a lock-down valve for total release, if desired.  One can will treat up to 6,000 cubic feet.   EPA registered.

MARC 115 "GERM-FREE" SURFACE DISINFECTANT & DEODORANT (aerosol)
An effective surface disinfectant for most environmental bacteria. Destroys odor-causing bacteria. Also Tuberculocidal, Staphylocidal and fungicidal. Kills influenza and HIV-1 (AIDS) viruses.  EPA registered. 

MARC 141 "PHENOLCIDE" (aerosol)
A broad-spectrum hospital disinfectant and deodorant. Controls TB and HIV-1 (AIDS virus), as well as bacteria, fungi, and mildew. Pleasant fragrance. EPA registered.  

MARC 301 HI-TIDE READY-TO-USE DISINFECTANT
A ready-to-use disinfectant, cleaner, deodorizer, mildewstat, fungicide and virucide with a unique “Marine” fragrance.  Cuts tough grease and grime.  Controls HIV, HBV, HCV, MRSA, Parvovirus, TB.  EPA-registered.

MARC 311 "POWER-CIDAL R-T-U"
A ready-to-use disinfectant, cleaner, deodorizer, mildewstat, fungicide and virucide. Has Tuberculocidal activity, and virucidal activity against HIV-1 (AIDS). Also controls E. Coli 0157:H7 (found in hamburger), Canine Parvovirus, Athlete's Foot fungus and mildew. Contains no alcohol and is non-flammable. EPA registered. 

MARC 315 MARCICIDE
A ready-to-use non-phosphate disinfectant, deodorizer and mildewstat designed for hospital and institutional use. Also effective against viruses and pathogenic fungi. Pleasant fragrance. EPA registered. 

MARC 316 "RIGHT STUFF" GERMICIDAL FOAMING CLEANER
A cleaner, disinfectant, deodorizer, fungicide, virucide, and mildewstat. Ready-to-use. Just spray and wipe. EPA registered. 

MARC 349 D.T. DISINFECTANT TOWELS
Fast and effective antibacterial formula cleans and disinfectants.  Effective against numerous bacteria and viruses.  Alcohol-free and bleach-free.  EPA-registered.

MARC 350 DISINFECTANT WIPES
Lemon-scented wipes which are quick, easy, convenient and effective for cleaning, disinfecting and deodorizing.  Bleach-free.  EPA-registered.

MARC 416 INSTA-SAN INSTANT FOAM HAND SANITIZER
A foaming sanitizer in a unique non-drying moisturizing and conditioning non-alcohol formula.  Produces a fast drying, non-sticky foam that leaves skin with a soft and silky afterfeel.  Handy 7.1 ounce foam pump bottle.

 MARC 417 "ALCO-SAN" INSTANT SKIN SANITIZER
A skin sanitizer for use between regular washings and patient contacts. Evaporates quickly, leaving hands smooth and refreshed without drying them out.  Available in 4-ounce bottles and bag-in-a-box.

MARC 418 INSTANT FOAM HAND SANITIZER
A hand sanitizer in a bag specially formulated to produce high foam when used through the available foam dispenser.  It is an effective and convenient way to sanitize hands in situations where water is not available.  The active ingredient – Benzethonium Chloride – combined with nourishing Vitamin E and moisturizing Aloe Vera kills 99.9% of important organisms in less than 15 seconds without drying the skin.

MARC 901 PATHOGEN CLEAN UP KIT
A complete kit complying with OSHA regulations for the clean up of infectious blood and fluid spills. Contains absorbent powder, gloves, spatulas, germicidal cloth, antiseptic towelette and bags. 

GERMS AND THE DISEASES THEY CAUSE

 Acinetobacter calcoaceticus var anitratus: causes bacterial meningitis, fulminating septicaemia, pulmonary and ophthalmic infections, chronic synovitis (joint pain/inflammation), skin diseases, wound infections and postoperative urinary tract infections.

 Acinetobacter calcoaceticus var lwoffii: causes bacteremia, pneumonia, meningitis, abdominal inflammation, endocarditis, and infections of the urinary tract and skin.

 Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae: causes a bacterial upper respiratory disease in pigs, resulting in lethargy, cough, and other breathing difficulties.  The organism is most problematic in intensive pig production operations.

 Actinomyces pyogenes:  causes severe bacterial mastitis in cattle, characterized by thick, purulent secretion.                                                                                                

Adenovirus type 2:  causes nonspecific viral respiratory illness, diarrhea, conjunctivitis (eye inflammation), cystitis, and rashes.                                                                                                       
Aspergillus candidus:  causes a rare infection of the lungs and is associated with asthma.  This fungus is prevalent in the environment.

 Aspergillus niger:  causes a rare infection of the lungs and is associated with asthma.  This fungus is common in the environment. The fungus is characterized by dense growth of black spores.

 Avian Influenza/Turkey Wisconsin Virus:  causes influenza infection of birds.  The virus is very similar to the avian influenza H5N1 virus, which is thought to have potential for human crossover as a pandemic strain.

 Bacillus cereus: causes gastrointestinal infection and intoxication.  The spores of B. cereus bacteria commonly contaminate raw foods and food materials, particularly foods that have been in contact with soil. The spores survive cooking and can subsequently germinate and grow under favorable conditions.  Consumption of foods contaminated with B. cereus may result in disease either by the consumption of pre-formed toxin or by toxins produced by these bacteria in during growth the gut.

 Bacteroides fragilis:  causes various abscesses, mostly in the human gut.  These opportunistic anaerobic bacteria may also cause bed sores, pressure sores, aspiration pneumonia, chronic otitis media (ear infection), chronic sinusitis, and osteomyelitis (bone infection).

 Bordetella bronchiseptica:  causes bronchitis in humans and can cause kennel cough in dogs.  This bacterium infects the airway, and is closely related to the causative agent of whooping cough, Bordetella pertussis.

 Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV): causes diarrhea in cattle and can cause reproductive problems in pigs.  This virus is in the same group of pest viruses as the virus of swine fever (hog cholera).

 Brevibacterim ammoniagenes:  causes diaper rash.  These bacteria are now known as Corynebacterium ammoniagenes, and are thought to be associated with diaper rash due to their ability to convert urine to ammonia.

 Brevundimonas diminuta:  causes opportunistic infections and fever.  This bacterium is of relatively low clinical significance, but is used frequently to test water filters due to its very small size.

 Burkholderia cepacia:  causes severe respiratory infections in the immunocompromised.  These bacteria also have natural resistance to many antibiotics.

 Burkholderia pickettii:  causes opportunistic infections in the hospital environment.  Also known as Ralstonia pickettii, these bacteria have been isolated from contaminated disinfectant formulations, and are known to infect the blood and tissue around indwelling medical devices.  The organism is particularly problematic in patients with cystic fibrosis.

 Campylobacter jejuni: causes severe diarrhea.  These bacteria cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. They are found in undercooked meat (especially poultry), unpasteurized milk, and untreated water as a result of contamination by wild fowl.

 CA-MRSA:  causes a number of diseases in humans, primarily painful, treatment resistant infections of the skin.  CA-MRSA stands for Community-Acquired Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.  As the name suggests, this particular strain is more likely to be found in the community at large than from healthcare environments, such as hospitals.  In general, CA-MRSA is thought to be less pathogenic and less resistant to antibiotics than MRSA in general (which is often acquired in hospital settings).

 CA-MRSA (USA 300 and 400):  causes a number of diseases in humans, primarily painful, treatment resistant infections of the skin that may invade the bloodstream and result in high rates of mortality.  The numbers “300” and “400” refer to specific DNA fingerprints (by PFGE analysis) of MRSA strains that have been isolated from community-acquired infections in the United States.

Candida albicans:  causes opportunistic oral and genital infections in humans. This fungus exists primarily as yeast in the oral cavity, but can infect tissues through the production of invasive filaments called hyphae.

Canine Coronavirus:  causes upper respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in dogs.   The virus is related to the human SARS virus.

 Canine Distemper Virus:  causes distemper in dogs.  This virus is particularly problematic in non-vaccinated populations, including free-living African wild dogs, as well as other carnivores, both free-living and captive.

 Canine Herpesvirus:  causes an infection in dogs that can result in various symptoms.  The virus is known to cause weakness, depression, discharge from the nose, soft, yellow feces, and a loss of certain motor functions (reflexes). The virus can also cause keratitis, uveitis, optic neuritis, retinitis, and retinal dysplasia.  There is a high mortality rate, approaching 80 percent in puppies less than one week old, and death usually occurs in one to two days.

 Chryseomonas luteola:  causes rare opportunistic infections in humans.  These bacteria have a propensity to infect hospital patients with health or indwelling medical devices. Most reported cases involve septicemia (blood infection), meningitis (inflammation of nerves or brain tissue), heart infection, or inflammation of the abdominal wall.

 Clostridium difficile (vegetative cells):  causes a gastrointestinal infection in humans.  Disease is characterized by persistent diarrhea, and is associated with hospital stays. This bacterium exists in a vegetative (growing) form inside the human body, where it is highly sensitive to oxygen.  After growth in the intestines, it can be excreted from the body in the form of environmentally resistant endospores.  Ironically, C. difficile infections often arise from administration of antibiotics intended to treat other infections.  There is not currently a methodology accepted by the USEPA for testing endospores.

 Corynebacterium ammoniagenes:  causes diaper rash.  These bacteria are thought to be associated with diaper rash due to their ability to convert urine to ammonia.

 Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis:  causes a severe infection of the lower limbs in horses and cattle.   This bacterium is also associated with large, ulcerative skin lesions in about 2-5% of cases.

 Cryptococcus neoformans:  causes meningitis in the immunocompromised.  This fungus recently has also been recognized as a source of pulmonary and general disseminated disease. Many infections with Cryptococcus neoformans are asymptomatic.

 Cytomegalovirus:  causes infection of the eyes, throat, and salivary glands.  This virus is particluarly risky to the immunocompromised, where it can cause a latent infection that further depresses the immune system.

 Enterobacter aerogenes:  causes opportunistic, frequently healthcare-associated infections of the skin and skin tissue.  The bacterium is problematic because it may become resistant to medical treatments in patients over time.

 Enterobacter agglomerans:  causes relatively rare gastrointestinal infections in humans.  The bacterium is now called Pantoea agglomerans, and is a recognized plant pathogen.

 Enterobacter cloacae:  causes bacteremia, lower respiratory tract infections, skin and soft tissue infections, urinary tract infections, endocarditis (heart infections), intra-abdominal infections septic arthritis, bone infection, and eye infections.  This bacterium is most commonly found in healthcare settings, where it is highly associated with invasive medical devices such as catheters.

 Enterobacter gergoviae:  causes infections associated with indwelling medical devices.  These bacteria are rare among Enterobacter infections.

Enterobacter liquefaciens:  causes infections associated with indwelling medical devices.  These bacteria are rare among Enterobacter infections.

 Enterococcus aerogenes:  causes opportunistic infections that are generally associated with the immunocompromised or with indwelling medical devices.  These bacteria are of fairly small clinical importance, but are very similar to Enterococcus faecalis, which is of major clinical importance.

 Enterococcus faecalis:  causes opportunistic and often severe infections of the skin, skin tissues, gastrointestinal tract, and bloodstream.  These bacteria are especially problematic in recent years due to their demonstrated propensity to acquire resistance to multiple antibiotics.

 Enterococcus faecium:  causes opportunistic and often severe infections of the skin, skin tissues, and bloodstream.  These bacteria are very similar to Enterococcus faecalis, and the genus is thought to account for greater than 10% of hospital-acquired infections.

 Enterococcus hirae:  causes a rare infection of heart valves in humans, as well as other opportunistic infections.  It is not as problematic as other members of the genus Enterococcus.  These bacteria are not known to become resistant to antibiotics at the current time.

 Equine Herpesvirus:  causes a respiratory disease of young horses.  This virus is primarily associated with coughing, and is thought to require close contact from animal-to-animal for transmission.

 Equine Influenza Virus A:  causes a major respiratory disease of horses.  Infection with this virus produces flu-like symptoms in horses, but may also prevent horses for drinking for days.

 Escherichia vulneris:  causes infection of human wounds. This bacterium was discovered fairly recently, in the early 1980’s.  Since then, it has also been associated with osteomyelitis (bone infection) and meningitis.

 Escherichia coli:  causes a variety of gastrointestinal infections.  There are many types of E. coli bacteria, the majority of which are non-pathogenic and live commensally in the gut.  The most problematic E. coli are those that produce enterotoxins when growing in the human gut.  These extraordinarily powerful toxins act directly on intestinal cells, reversing the flow on ions and causing severe diarrhea.  E. coli is also a major hospital pathogen, responsible for greater than 10% of all hospital infections.  One particular strain, E. coli O157:H7, causes hemorrhagic intestinal infection and sometimes causes kidney failure.

 Escherichia coli 0157:H7:  causes a severe, hemorrhagic intestinal infection with profuse, bloody diarrhea.  These bacteria are commonly found in contaminated ground beef.   Once infection is established, they invade intestinal cells and produce toxins that can result in kidney injury.  Kidney disease associated with E. coli infection is called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).

 Feline Calcivirus:  causes a flu-like infection of cats, but is primarily significant because of its similarity to human noroviruses.  This virus is recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as a surrogate for noroviruses.  Thus, disinfection of feline calicivirus virtually ensures disinfection of human norovirus, which cannot currently be grown or tested in the laboratory.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis Virus:  causes a mild, self-limiting diarrhea in cats.  This virus predominantly infects cats that are very young or very old.  The virus is thought to be highly transmissible from cats to kittens.

 Flavobacterium meningosepticum:  causes meningitis in humans.  This bacterium is particularly problematic in children, where infections can be very serious and may result in death.

 Haemophilus influenzae:  causes bacteremia, and acute bacterial meningitis.  It is known as an opportunistic bacterial pathogen.  Occasionally, it causes cellulitis, osteomyelitis (bone infection), sore throat, and joint infections.   A vaccine (HiB) is available that can prevent infections with this bacteria.

 Hafnia alvei:  causes diarrhea in humans.  This member of the group of bacteria called Enterobacteriaceae is not well understood at this time but is rarely considered to be pathogenic.

 HCV (Hepatitis C Virus):  causes a blood and fluid-borne infection of the liver in humans.  This virus is especially problematic for intravenous illicit drug users and recipients of transfused blood and blood products.  No vaccine currently exists for hepatitis C virus, but many are under development.  Infection with this virus is associated with decreased liver function and increased likelihood of liver cancer.

 Herpes Simplex Virus type 1:  causes small, painful ulcers on the human lips, mouth, and occasionally the ears and genital areas.  This virus is known to integrate its DNA into that of the human body and infections are known to occur regularly as cycles.  At this time it is not well understood what initiates acute infection or remission.  The virus is transmitted by close contact, such as kissing and touching.

 Herpes Simplex Virus type 2:  causes small, painful ulcers primarily around the human genital area.  This virus is very similar to herpes simplex virus type 1, and symptoms from one virus may often be mistaken for symptoms of the other.  The virus is sexually transmitted.

Human Coronavirus:  causes gastrointestinal infections in humans and is responsible for about 30% of common colds.   This virus is very similar in terms of size and shape to the virus that causes SARS.  All age groups can be infected, and severity of infection varies from mild to severe.

 Human Hepatitis B Virus (HHBV):  causes cirrhosis or liver cancer in humans.  The virus is transmitted by contaminated bodily fluids, with the exception of urine, saliva, and stool.  Infection of the liver with the virus lasts from one month to many decades.  Long-term infections increase the risk of liver cancer by approximately 50-fold. There is significant geographic variation in infection rates, but it is estimated that 300 to 350 million people worldwide have chronic HBV infection. In Southeast Asia, Africa, and China, >50% of the population is infected, and 8% to 15% become chronically infected.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) AIDS Virus:  causes a long-term infection that depresses the immune system.  Infection with this virus resembles the common cold or flu, with symptoms appearing for 1-2 weeks and then becoming very mild and often undetectable for years after.  During this first phase of infection, a person is said to be HIV positive.  After some years (typically 3-10), the virus overrides the host’s immune system and kills T4 helper T cells, rendering the host susceptible to a variety of opportunistic infections.  The stage of HIV infection when T cells are substantially depleted is called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS.  Death from HIV infection is always due to infection by another, usually opportunistic, pathogen.   HIV infection is very common and is increasing globally, though rates of infection in the United States have declined in the last decade.  Currently, it is estimated that approximately 25 million people are infected with HIV.

 Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) Virus:  causes a respiratory disease of cattle.  Infection with this virus can cause secretions from the eyes, nose, and reproductive organs.  It is now recognized as a cause of complex disease in cattle.

 Influenza A/Brazil (H1N1) Virus:  causes the flu in humans. Influenza viruses are known to mutate on an approximately annual basis and have potential for pandemic spread.  H1N1 specifies the antigens present on the surface of the virus for that particular season/strain.

 Influenza A/Victoria (H3N2) Virus:  causes the flu in humans. Influenza viruses are known to mutate on an approximately annual basis and have potential for pandemic spread.  H3N2 specifies the antigens present on the surface of the virus for that particular season/strain.

 Influenza A2/Japan/305 (H2N2) Virus:  causes the flu in humans. Influenza viruses are known to mutate on an approximately annual basis and have potential for pandemic spread.  H2N2 specifies the antigens present on the surface of the virus for that particular season/strain that causes the flu in humans.

 Influenza B Virus:  causes the flu in humans.  This virus evolves much more slowly than closely related Influenza A virus, and as such is not as significant a source of seasonal disease in humans.

 Influenza C Virus:  causes the flu in humans.  This is the most slowly evolving of the influenza viruses, and is know to infect both humans and pigs.

Klebsiella oxytoca:  causes high fever, chills, flu-like symptoms and a cough productive of a lot of mucous in humans.   This bacterium is considered opportunistic, but can be deadly once infections are established. 

 Klebsiella pneumoniae:  causes high fever, chills, flu-like symptoms and pneumonia.  It can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms.  This bacterium is considered opportunistic and is highly associated with hospital settings and with invasive procedures involving the airway.  It is also a common cause of disease in alcoholics, presumably from aspiration of the bacteria.

 Klebsiella Pneumoniae type 1:  causes high fever, chills, flu-like symptoms and pneumonia.  It can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms.  This bacterium is considered opportunistic and is highly associated with hospital settings and with invasive procedures involving the airway.  It is also a common cause of disease in alcoholics, presumably from aspiration of the bacteria.

 Listeria monocytogenes:  causes a gastrointestinal infection in humans.  This bacterium is particularly problematic as a contaminant of food.  It commonly contaminates sausages and other preserved meat products.  It causes diarrhea and has a tendency to infect the very old or immunocompromised.

Malassezia pachydermatis:  causes a rare but often life-threatening fungal infection in immunocompromised humans.  The fungus is common on the skin of dogs, and dogs are thought to be the major reservoir of the organism.  

Measles Virus:  causes a severe infection of humans that is characterized by cough, runny nose, and red eyes.   A skin rash is also common.  Spots inside the mouth are also indicative of this infection, but many people do not develop the spots or they are visible only briefly.  Most people infected with measles recover fully, but infections are rare since vaccinations against the virus are common.

 Micrococcus luteus:  causes opportunistic infections in the immunocompromised in hospital settings. These bacteria are generally considered to be contaminants, but cause disease in rare instances.  Notably, the bacterium is well adapted to living in or on dry environments such as the skin.

 Morganella morganii:  causes urinary tract infections, sepsis, pneumonia, wound infections, musculoskeletal infections, central nervous system infections, pericarditis, and spontaneous bacterial inflammation of the abdominal lining.  This bacterium is a normal part of human flora and is considered to be an opportunistic pathogen.

 Newcastle Disease Virus:  causes a highly contagious disease in birds and occasionally causes eye infection and flu-like symptoms in highly exposed humans.  This virus ranges in virulence from highly to mildly infective.

 Parainfluenza Virus type 1:  causes a disease in humans resembling a cold or the flu.  This virus infects the upper airway, causing production of mucous, fever, and runny nose.  In children the virus is also associated with bronchitis.

 Pasteurella haemolyticus:  causes a respiratory disease in cattle. Infections by this bacterium are rare.

 Penicillium chermesinum:  this fungus is thought to be a pathogen of social wasps.

 Penicillium oxalicum:  this fungus is a pathogen of corn that can cause allergy in humans.

 Penicillium spinulosum:  this fungus is a pre-harvest pathogen of sorghum.

 Poliovirus type 1:  causes a severe nerve infection in humans.  The virus is spread by contaminated water or food by the fecal-oral route.  After gastrointestinal infection, nerves are negatively affected in a percentage of cases, often resulting in paralysis.  Although once common, the disease has been virtually eradicated by a successful vaccination program and by treatment of water and wastewater with disinfectants.

 Porcine Parvovirus:  causes infectious infertility in pigs.  The virus infects virtually all pig herds, but infection is typically asymptomatic.

 Porcine Respiratory & Reproductive Syndrome Virus:  causes respiratory tract infection in young pigs and infertility in older pigs.  The virus appeared suddenly in the Midwestern United States but has since spread worldwide.

 Porcine Rotavirus:  causes gastrointestinal infections in pigs.  The virus is very similar to human rotavirus, which primarily infects children and is a major cause of diarrhea in the United States.

 Proteus mirabilis:  causes urinary tract problems in humans as well as bloodstream and wound infections.  The bacterium produces large amounts of urease, which hydrolyzes to ammonia and makes the urine more alkaline.  This can cause the kidney stones, which can lead to renal failure.

Proteus vulgaris:  causes many different types of infection including urinary tract infections and wound infections, and is a common cause of sinus and respiratory infections.   The bacterium is particularly difficult to eradicate in sinus and respiratory tissues.

 Pseudomonas aeruginosa:  causes many different types of infections, most of which are acquired in hospitals.   Due to the ubiquitous nature of the bacterium in the environment, it is a common contaminant of environmental surfaces.  It is also problematic because it has natural resistance to many disinfectants and can form biofilms on medical devices.  Infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with cystic fibrosis is often deadly over long periods of time.

 Pseudomonas fluorescens:  causes infections related to blood transfusions and is a common environmental contaminant.   These bacteria also have beneficial uses – they can be grown in culture to produce an antimicrobial compound called mupirocin which is effective against MRSA.

 Pseudomonas pseudomallei:  causes an infectious illness called melioidosis or Whitmore's disease that is most frequent in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia.  Meliodosis is a lung infection that may involve a cavity of pus.  The bacterium can also spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.  Pseudomonas pseudomallei is found in soil, rice paddies and stagnant waters. Humans catch the disease by inhalation of contaminated dust or when soil contaminated by the bacteria comes in contact with abraded (scraped) skin.

 Pseudomonas putida:  causes spoilage of consumer products and grows robustly in a variety of environments.  This bacterium is not known to be a human pathogen.

 Pseudomonas stutzeri:  causes primarily bacteremia (blood infection) in patients undergoing invasive medical procedures such as dialysis.  These bacteria are considered to be opportunistic pathogens, and infection is quite rare.

 Pseudorabies Virus:  causes abortion, coughing, sneezing, fever, constipation, depression, seizures, and various other symptoms in piglets and mature pigs. Mortality in piglets less than one month of age is close to 100 percent.  The virus is a type of porcine herpesvirus.

 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):  causes fever, runny nose, cough, and sometimes wheezing in young children.  In general, symptoms of infection are flu-like.  The virus is the most common cause of bronchitis in infants under 1 year old.  By the time children reach 4 years of age, nearly all have been infected at least once with respiratory syncitial virus.  Infections with this virus are rarely life-threatening.

 Rhodococcus equi:  causes a persistent bacterial pneumonia in young horses, and may become established as an endemic disease on some breeding farms.  These bacteria are also a normal part of the bacterial flora of adult horses.

 Rotavirus:  causes an acute, self-limiting gastrointestinal disease in humans that primarily affects children.  The disease is characterized by watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever.  Infections typically last for 3-8 days.  In developed countries, the virus is rarely associated with mortality, but in the developing world rates of death can be quite high.  Death from rotavirus infection in children is usually a result of dehydration from voluminous diarrhea.

 Salmonella choleraesuis:  causes severe gastrointestinal disease in humans.  This genus of bacteria was recently reclassified to include two main species, S. enterica and S. typhi.  As such, S. choleraesuis is now referred to as S. enterica serovar choleraesuis.   This microorganism is a problematic contaminant of food products and most disease is transmitted by food.  Undercooked poultry is a major source of infection with this bacterium.

Salmonella typhi:  causes typhoid fever in humans, which is a severe and often deadly infection that includes sustained fever as high as 40°C (104°F), profuse sweating, gastroenteritis, and diarrhea.  In some cases, a rash of flat, rose-colored spots may also accompany infection.  These bacteria are spread most commonly in developing countries through contaminated food or drinking water.

 Salomonella schottmuelleri:  causes enteric infection and fever in humans, characterized by profuse diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.  These bacteria are spread predominantly by contaminated food and water.

 Serratia marcescens:  causes conjunctivitis, keratitis, endophthalmitis, and tear duct infections in humans, where it is a normal part of the bacterial flora of the urinary tract and gastrointestinal system.  This bacterium is easy to isolate and recognize in the laboratory because it grows as large, bright red colonies.  It has been recognized as a contaminant of vaccines and may be resistant to some antibiotics, depending on the strain.

 Shigella dysenteriae: causes severe gastrointestinal disease in humans, characterized by watery diarrhea, intestinal cramps, and fever.  Infections with these bacteria usually last 5-7 days and can be spread easily to others via contamination of environmental surfaces.  Shigella dysenteriae have a very low “infectious dose,” meaning that only a few cells need be ingested to produce disease.

 Sphingomonas paucimobilis:  causes a range of mostly hospital-related, non-life-threatening infections that typically are easily treated by antibiotic therapy.  These strictly aerobic bacteria are naturally present in many land and water habitats.

 Staphylococcus aureus:  causes infections and intoxication in humans.  This bacterium can infect the skin, intestinal tract, wounds, and many other parts of the body, occasionally causing very serious meningitis, heart infections, and toxic shock.   In addition to infections, humans can be harmed by S. aureus as a result of the toxins it produces when it is allowed to grow in food that is not refrigerated.  Disease resulting from Staphylococcus enterotoxin intoxication is primarily gastrointestinal and involves profuse diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting with rapid onset for a brief period (usually 4-12 hours).  In high doses, Staphylococcus enterotoxin is deadly.  S. aureus is commonly part of the nasal flora of healthy individuals.

Staphylococcus aureus (antibiotic resistant/toxic shock strains):  cause infections and intoxications similar to antibiotic sensitive strains, but are much more problematic from a clinical perspective because the organisms either produce more/more potent toxins or resist the effects of a range of antibiotics.  Methicillin-resistant S. aureus or MRSA is a critical pathogen, and some strains are now resistant to virtually all clinically available antibiotics.  MRSA is responsible for a great deal of morbidity and mortality in the United States, especially among hospital patients.

 Staphylococcus auricularis:  causes infections of the skin, intestinal tract, wounds, and many other parts of the body, but infections are not generally as severe as with its close relative, S. aureus.  These bacteria are members of the group called “coagulase-negative Staphylococci.”

 Staphylococcus capitis:  causes infections of the heart valves of adult humans and is commonly associated with bacteremia in neonates.  Infections with this organism are often difficult to eradicate.  These bacteria are members of the group called “coagulase-negative Staphylococci.” 

 Staphylococcus epidermidis:  causes infection in people who are immunocompromised and in people who have indwelling catheters. Many strains produce a biofilm that allows them to adhere to the surfaces of medical prostheses.  In addition, these bacteria are often resistant to many antibiotics.  They live predominantly on the skin and as such are the most common contaminant in clinical laboratory tests.  These bacteria are members of the group called “coagulase-negative Staphylococci.”

 Staphylococcus hominis:  causes infection in people who are immunocompromised and in people who have indwelling catheters. In addition, these bacteria are often resistant to many antibiotics.  They live predominantly on the skin are generally considered to be non-pathogenic or opportunistically pathogenic.  These bacteria are members of the group called “coagulase-negative Staphylococci.”

 Staphylococcus saprophyticus:  causes infection in people who are immunocompromised and in people who have indwelling catheters. In addition, these bacteria are often resistant to many antibiotics.  They live predominantly on the skin are generally considered to be non-pathogenic or opportunistically pathogenic.  These bacteria are members of the group called “coagulase-negative Staphylococci.”

 Staphylococcus simulans:  causes infection in people who are immunocompromised and in people who have indwelling catheters. In addition, these bacteria are often resistant to many antibiotics.  They live predominantly on the skin are generally considered to be non-pathogenic or opportunistically pathogenic.  These bacteria are members of the group called “coagulase-negative Staphylococci.”

 Stenotrophonas maltophilia:  causes colonization of the skin and skin tissues of hospital patients and occasionally causes infections.  Infections with this bacterium are usually of a result of growth of the organism to high levels in medical fluids.

 Streptococcus hemolyticus:  causes scarlet fever and rheumatic fever, which are both a result of the action of the body’s immune system after the infection has been cleared.  This bacterium is an infrequent human pathogen.  It is considered to be “Group A strep.”

 Streptococcus equi var equi:  causes a disease called strangles in horses, donkeys, and mules.  In humans, infections are limited to a mild sore throat.  This bacterium infects the respiratory tract of the animals, resulting in white discharge from the nose and further complications in about 10-20% of cases.  Difficulty of breathing and inflamed lymph nodes are hallmarks of this disease.

 Streptococcus equi var zooepidermicus:  causes strangles in horses, but this variant may have greater transmissibility than the equi variant.

 Streptococcus pneumoniae:  causes a variety of infections in humans, including pneumonia, bronchitis, ear infections and more seriously, brain abscesses, meningitis, septic arthritis, and heart infections.  These bacteria were the major cause of pneumonia in the early 1900’s.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP):  causes infections similar to those of antibiotic-sensitive S. pneumoniae, but treatment is made much more difficult by the organism’s resistance to antibiotics.

Streptococcus pyogenes:  causes “Strep Throat” and skin infections in humans.  If untreated by antibiotics, strep throat can cause Scarlet Fever, which is an autoimmune disease that can affect the heart.  In addition, this bacterium can infect the skin, occasionally producing what is commonly referred to as “flesh eating disease,” or necrotizing fasciitis.

 Streptococcus salivarius:  causes blood infections in people who have neutropenia, or depressed immune systems.    This bacterium is similar in terms of size and shape to S. pyogenes but is much less pathogenic.

 T1 bacteriophage:  is a virus that infects bacteria.  Phages are sometimes involved in the transfer of genes that encode toxins from one bacterium to the next.

 T4 bacteriophage:  is a virus that infects bacteria.  Phages are sometimes involved in the transfer of genes that encode toxins from one bacterium to the next.

 Transmissible Gastroenteritis (TGE) Virus:  causes vomiting and diarrhea in pigs with a high rate of mortality.  The virus initiates infection by destroying the villi (small finger-like structures) of the small intestine.  After infection, pigs may shed the virus for 2-3 weeks.

 Trichophyton mentagrophytes:  causes skin infections in humans.  This fungus is responsible for “athletes foot,” a persistent infection of the skin near the toes that can also infect the hair, skin, and nails.

 Ulocladium sp.:  causes cutaneous infections in immunocompromised individuals and has also caused infections of the eyes.  This fungus is a rare human pathogen.

 Vaccinia Virus:  causes cowpox in humans.  Cowpox is a relatively mild skin infection that provides protective immunity against the much more serious (but recently eradicated) infection smallpox.  The two viruses are very similar in terms of their size, shape, and genetic makeup.

 Vesicular Stomatitis Virus:  causes Influenza-like symptoms including headache, fever, pain on motion of eyes, malaise, nausea, pain in the limbs and back, as well as possible vesicular lesions in the mouth and on the lips and hands.  The virus primarily infects cattle, but has a wide host range including humans, deer, and insects.

 VRSA:   causes a number of diseases in humans, primarily painful, treatment resistant infections of the skin that may invade the bloodstream and result in high rates of mort