AboutChris Bemes Expertise I will answer questions relating to the identification of bacterial and fungal isolates using phenotypic (macroscopic/microscopic appearance, biochemical bench tests, fatty-acid analysis) as well as genotypic (RiboPrinting) methods. I can also answer questions relating to environmental microbiology, especially those specifically relating to the pharmaceutical industry. I am less familiar with clinical microbiology.
Experience I have worked within the biotech industry for 9 years, most of that time spent in a Quality Control Microbiology laboratory setting.
Within the laboratory, I routinely performed bioburden testing; sterility testing; gel-clot and kinetic LAL testing; biological indicator testing; stability testing; microbial limits testing; media performance/growth promotion testing; microbial identifications testing using API, Vitek, MIDI (GC-MIS) and RiboPrinter identifications systems; total/fecal coliform testing; environmental monitoring; media preparation; stock culture maintenance; qualification of identification test kits and QuantiCult Plus organisms. I executed the QC validation of the DuPont Qualicon RiboPrinter Microbial Characterization System. I also supported sites internationally with the fungal/microbial identification process, the RiboPrinter assay, stock culture maintenance and the microbial identification process flow.
Organizations Nationally Registered Microbiologist, American Society of Microbiology (2005)
Publications Applied and Environmental Microbiology
Education/Credentials B.S. in Microbiology (2000)
Awards and Honors Received my company's 'Best Practice Award' for the Validation of the RiboPrinter Microbial Characterization System, 2004
Question I FOUND LITTLE WORMS IN THE BATH AFTER LETTING THE WATER OUT, I RAN NEW WATER TO CHECK AND THERE IN THE WATER, THEY ARE ABOUT 1/2 TO 1 CENTIMETER LONG, CLEAR-WHITE,WITH BLACK TIPS ON BOTH ENDS, THEY SEEMED TO BE ROUND NOT FLAT AND ON ONE END ALMOST A HOOK OR SHARP POINT, WE HAVE WELL WATER AND OCCASIONALLY DO A BLEACH TREATMENT BUT IT DOSE NOT SEEM TO PHASE THEM, ANY IDEAS? I LOOKED THROUGH THE WEB AND COULDN'T FIND A PICTURE THAT MATCHED.
Answer Hi,
I am no expert on worms, but I think the most likely culprit is some type of larva (mosquito or another insect). I would contact a water testing company with your concern. Since you are on well water, you should be getting water testing done every year or two, to ensure that your water is safe to drink, etc. I found a couple of articles on this topic that may interest you.
