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Risk of laboratory-acquired meningococcal disease
R Boutet1, J M Stuart, E B Kaczmarski
1PHLS Communicable Disease Surveillance Centre (South West), Public Health Laboratory, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester, UK.
Abstract:
Five probable secondary cases of meningococcal disease were identified in microbiology laboratory workers in England and Wales during a 15-year period. All cases had prepared suspensions of Neisseria meningitidis outside a safety cabinet upto seven days before onset of illness. Relative risk in laboratory workers compared with the background adult population was 184 (95% CI 60-431). In view of the potentially serious outcome from this infection, a safety cabinet should always be used when preparing or working with suspensions of meningococci. Vaccination policy for microbiology laboratory workers should be reviewed.
Insights
Microbiology lab workers face a high risk of meningococcal disease from preparing Neisseria meningitidis outside safety cabinets. Reviewing vaccination policies and using safety cabinets are crucial for preventing infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Meningococcal disease poses a significant risk.
- Laboratory workers handling Neisseria meningitidis are a potential risk group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the risk of secondary meningococcal disease in microbiology laboratory workers.
- To identify risk factors associated with infection in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of laboratory-associated cases.
- Calculation of relative risk compared to the general population.
Main Results:
- Five secondary cases of meningococcal disease occurred in laboratory workers over 15 years.
- All cases involved preparing Neisseria meningitidis suspensions outside a safety cabinet.
- Laboratory workers had a 184-fold increased relative risk (95% CI 60-431).
Conclusions:
- Handling Neisseria meningitidis outside safety cabinets presents a substantial occupational risk.
- Mandatory use of safety cabinets is recommended for preparing meningococcal suspensions.
- Vaccination policies for microbiology laboratory staff require review to mitigate risk.