August 10, 2004, Reply from Lauren A. Burwell, Mycotic Disease Branch of The Center for Disease control (CDC) in response to Histoplasma, David Bell and Agraquest. view e-mail→ HERE
IN PART: "As CDC is not itself a regulatory agency, we do not have authority over the safety of workers in industrial laboratory settings. However, we do work with federal partners to provide guidance for the safety of workers in laboratories. The following link may be helpful to you, as it describes the recommended precautions for people who work with microorganisms: http:www.cdc.gov/od/oha/bioafty/mbm14/mbm14toc
NOTE: It is questioned "why" the CDC would "ignore" the fact that Agraquest (AQ) had the fungus histoplasma in their research and development company in the first place. AQ finds microorganisms for the purpose of bio-control for their bio-pesticide, bio-insecticide, bio-fungicide products "for disease of plants and insects". AQ was not licensed to find cures for human diseases such as Histoplasmosis that is caused by the fungus, Histoplasma. AQ however states in the November 1998 filing of United States Patent #6,004,774 (listing AQ scientists as "inventors" view→ HERE , and Pamela Gail Marrone as "first named inventor" view→ HERE , “Additionally, an antifungal composition comprising an extract produced by B. subtilis strain ATCC 55614 may be used to treat human fungal diseases in which the disseminated disease is a condida, for example, Aspergillus sp, Histoplasma sp. and Tinea sp." view patent page stating this→ HERE [ See end of column #12 and beginning of #13]
•Four days after David first sought emergency medical care, all four scientists started signing away their interest rights to the patent [U.S. 6,004,774]. view→ HERE
August 14, 2004, Response letter to the August 10, 2004, letter from Lauren A. Burwell, CDC , view document→ HERE .
Numerous issues were addressed in this letter:
- Purpose and urgency for CDC to investigate.
- 11 other employees were said to have gotten sick at the same time David Bell did. Receptionist was told to "shut and lock the lab door"
- AQ brings microorganisms in to the United States from Around the globe.
- AQ brought in a bag of soil in a suitcase from South America which was undocumented on a commercial airliner and bragged about it.
- AQ has 20,000 + microorganisms in their culture collection - what are they?
- David Bell not only has Histoplasma (identified in his blood serum by the Arizona Mayo Clinic). [Histoplasma is not endemic to California, it is found in Arid Humid areas]
- David Bell has a depleted immune system since employment at AQ requiring IV Immunoglobulin Infusions every 28 days for possibly life [advised by immunologist]).
- David Bell is now going into Tachacardia and requires Beta Blockers.
- Relation to Histoplasma and David Bell's exposure at work.
- Literature and Congressional material/hearing on Histoplasma being used in bio-warfare.
