Monitoring Laboratory Occupational Exposures to Burkholderia pseudomallei

Burkholderia pseudomallei is a Tier 1 overlap select agent and subject to the select agent regulations (42 CFR §73 and 9 CFR §121). It is a gram-negative, motile, soil saprophyte, and the etiologic agent of melioidosis. B. pseudomallei infection can produce systemic illness and can be fatal in the absence of appropriate treatment. Laboratory exposures involving this organism may occur when appropriate containment measures are not employed. Current disease treatment inadequacies and the risk factors associated with melioidosis make this an agent of primary concern in research, commercial, and clinical laboratory environments.

This study presents data reported to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Select Agents and Toxins for releases involving B. pseudomallei in 2017-2019 that occurred in Biosafety Level (BSL)-2 and BSL-3 laboratories. Fifty-one Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)/CDC Form 3 release reports led to the medical surveillance of 275 individuals. Entities offered post-exposure prophylaxis to ∼76% of the individuals impacted in the presented events.

Laboratory safety can be improved by implementing appropriate safety precautions to minimize exposures. Most of the incidents discussed in this evidence-based report occurred during work conducted in the absence of primary containment. None of the releases resulted in illness, death, or transmission to or among workers, nor was there transmission outside of a laboratory into the surrounding environment or community. Effective risk assessment and management strategies coupled with standard and special microbiological policies and procedures can result in reduced exposures and improved safety at facilities.