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Updated: May 24, 2026

Safety Precautions and Operating Procedures in an (A)BSL-4 Laboratory: 3. Aerobiology
Published on: October 3, 2016
[Preliminary studies on pathogenic microorganisms laboratory-acquired infections cases in recent years and its
Qiang Wei1, Xiao-Yan Li, Lei Wang
1Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention 102206, China.
Objective:
To analyze and study types, infections routes and causes of global pathogenic microorganisms laboratory-acquired infections cases reported in the literatures from 2000 to 2009 and to discuss prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
(1) Pathological observation of hepatic specimens: hepatic tissue pathogenic microorganisms laboratory-acquired infections. Methods PubMed, Embase, Biosis and Webs of Science covering SCIE, SSCI, CPCI-S and CPCI-SSH are chosen as data sources, "laboratory-acquired (associated) infections" are searched as the key words to search laboratory-acquired infections literature published from 2000 to 2009, from which information and data are accessed to be collected, analyzed and researched.
Results:
There are 19 species of pathogenic microorganisms causing laboratory-acquired infections in the last 10 years, including 15 species of bacteria, accounting for 78.9%; 4 species of virus, accounting for 21.1%. There are 83 cases reported, of which there are 60 bacterial cases, accounting for 72.3%; and 23 virus cases, accounting for 27.7%. Ingestion and inhalation are main routes of infections, respectively accounting for 32.5% and 31.3%, which are mainly due to accidents, accounting for 47.0%.
Conclusion:
In recent years, pathogenic microbiology laboratory-acquired infections continue to occur, and it is mainly due to accidental infections, which expose laboratory workers' low sense of safety and deficient operation methods. Laboratory staff should strengthen their senses of safety and comply with safe operation procedures, which are still the key to prevent laboratory-acquired infections.
Insights
Pathogenic microorganisms cause laboratory-acquired infections, primarily bacteria and viruses, through ingestion and inhalation. Accidental exposures highlight the need for enhanced safety awareness and operational protocols among laboratory personnel.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
Context:
- Laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) pose risks to personnel handling pathogenic microorganisms.
- A review of literature from 2000-2009 identifies trends in LAIs.
Purpose:
- To analyze the types, infection routes, and causes of pathogenic microorganism LAIs.
- To discuss effective prevention and control strategies for laboratory safety.
Summary:
- Bacteria (78.9%) and viruses (21.1%) are the main causative agents of LAIs.
- Ingestion (32.5%) and inhalation (31.3%) are the primary infection routes.
- Accidents account for 47.0% of LAIs, often due to low safety awareness and poor operating procedures.
Impact:
- Findings underscore the persistent occurrence of LAIs.
- Recommendations emphasize strengthening safety consciousness and adhering to safe operating procedures to mitigate risks.
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