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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
Published on: May 2, 2018
Bacterial and fungal infections among diagnostic laboratory workers: evaluating the risks
Ellen Jo Baron1, J Michael Miller
1Department of Pathology, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, CA 94305-5324, USA.
Abstract:
Accidental infections acquired in the laboratory environment are not reportable in a formal forum outside the institution, and therefore, there is little opportunity to evaluate such occurrences and learn from them. We evaluated voluntary responses from 88 facilities, 53 large hospitals (>200 beds) or academic institutions, 32 smaller facilities (<200 beds), and 3 national reference diagnostic laboratories. Thirty-eight of the laboratories (43%), 15 large and 23 small facilities, reported no known exposures during 2002 to 2004. Twenty-one laboratories, 17 large and 4 small institutions, reported at least 1 exposure. Even in this small study, laboratory-acquired infections were reported by 29 laboratories (33%), 24 in large facilities and 5 in small sites. Of the organisms causing laboratory-acquired infections in this survey, Shigella was the most common, followed by Brucella, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus. Although Neisseria meningitidis is perceived to be commonly acquired, only 4 cases were reported by the 88 respondents. Recommendations for reducing exposure risks are provided.
Insights
Laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) are underreported, limiting learning opportunities. This study found 33% of surveyed labs reported LAIs, with Shigella being the most common cause.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Laboratory Safety
Background:
- Accidental laboratory infections are not formally reported externally, hindering evaluation and learning.
- Limited data exists on the true incidence and causative agents of laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence of laboratory-acquired infections through voluntary reporting.
- To identify common pathogens responsible for LAIs.
- To provide recommendations for reducing exposure risks in laboratory settings.
Main Methods:
- Voluntary survey distributed to 88 healthcare facilities, including large hospitals, small facilities, and national reference laboratories.
- Data collected on reported exposures and laboratory-acquired infections between 2002 and 2004.
- Analysis of reported causative organisms for laboratory-acquired infections.
Main Results:
- 43% of laboratories reported no known exposures during the study period.
- 21 laboratories reported at least one exposure, with 29 laboratories (33%) reporting confirmed LAIs.
- Shigella was the most frequently reported organism causing LAIs, followed by Brucella, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory-acquired infections occur more frequently than formal reporting suggests.
- Implementing recommendations for reducing exposure risks is crucial for laboratory safety.
- Further studies are needed to better understand and prevent LAIs.
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