Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
A New Portable In Vitro Exposure Cassette for Aerosol Sampling
Published on: February 22, 2019
Expert opinion: what to do when there is Coccidioides exposure in a laboratory
David A Stevens1, Karl V Clemons, Hillel B Levine
1Department of Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, California 95128-2699, USA. stevens@stanford.edu
Abstract:
Inadvertent exposure to Coccidioides species by laboratory staff and others as a result of a mishap is not an uncommon cause of infection in clinical microbiology laboratories. These types of infection may occur in laboratories outside the endemic areas, because the etiologic agent is unexpected in the submitted specimens and because personnel may be unfamiliar with the hazards of dealing with Coccidioides species in the laboratory. Coccidioidal infections are often difficult to treat, and outcomes can be poor. Here, we emphasize prevention and an approach to a laboratory accident that minimizes the risk of exposure to laboratory staff and staff in adjacent areas. On the basis of an artificially large exposure to arthroconidia that may occur as a result of a laboratory accident, a conservative approach of close observation and early treatment of exposed staff is discussed.
Insights
Laboratory staff can contract Coccidioides infections from accidental exposure. This study outlines prevention strategies and a management approach for laboratory accidents involving Coccidioides arthroconidia to minimize infection risk.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Inadvertent exposure to Coccidioides species poses a risk to laboratory personnel.
- Coccidioidal infections can occur unexpectedly in non-endemic areas due to unfamiliarity with the pathogen.
- These infections are often challenging to treat and can have severe outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize prevention of Coccidioides exposure in clinical microbiology laboratories.
- To outline an approach for managing laboratory accidents involving Coccidioides.
- To minimize risks for laboratory staff and those in adjacent areas.
Main Methods:
- Review of laboratory safety protocols for Coccidioides handling.
- Discussion of a conservative management strategy for accidental exposure.
- Consideration of an artificially large exposure to arthroconidia.
Main Results:
- Accidental Coccidioides exposure is a recognized occupational hazard.
- Proactive prevention and a structured response plan are crucial.
- Early observation and treatment are recommended for exposed individuals.
Conclusions:
- Implementing robust safety measures is vital for preventing Coccidioidal infections in labs.
- A defined protocol for laboratory accidents involving Coccidioides can mitigate exposure risks.
- Close monitoring and prompt medical intervention for exposed staff are essential for better outcomes.
More Related Videos
09:29An Air-liquid Interface Bronchial Epithelial Model for Realistic, Repeated Inhalation Exposure to Airborne Particles for Toxicity Testing
Published on: May 13, 2020
10:06Efficient Method for Imaging Murine Lungs that Preserves Spatial Dynamics of Fungal Spores in the Airways
Published on: December 13, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:27Cryptococcal Meningitis
01:23Investigation of Disease Outbreaks