Medycyna Wet. 67 (10), 653-656, 2011
| Truszczyński M., Wijaszka T., Żmudziński J.F., Jażdżewski K. |
| 79th General Session of the OIE – scientific and practical aspects in animal and human health protection |
| One of the most important problems while conducting investigations with highly pathogenic microorganisms is protecting the environment from their spread. Many of the currently emerging diseases are zoonotic diseases, so-called zoonoses, i.e. diseases that affect both animals as well as humans. These diseases can easily spread in the environment and can cause major devastation in breeding farms. In order to eliminate the possibility of the release of pathogens from laboratories and animal houses, classification and technical requirements were introduced to enable conducting experiments safely. There are four levels of biological safety, i.e. Biological Safety Level (BSL). Level I – work is carried out on open tables and the bacterial research is non-pathogenic. Level II – pathogens are transmitted by blood and body fluids, infections occur by contact with conjunctivas or in breaches of the skin surface. At this level any contact of the tested material with conjunctivas must be avoided, sharp objects must be secured and sterile equipment must be used. Level III relates to airborne germs. Work is carried out under a laminar flow cabinet. To prevent microorganisms from escaping the laboratory area, a proper ventilation system is required to maintain under-pressure, as well as many other control systems. Level IV relates to work with the most virulent and severe airborne diseases as well as diseases transmitted by direct contact that have a high mortality level. The required protection is, among other things, a proper ventilation system and sluices with a disinfectant shower. The personnel should be equipped with protective wear providing complete isolation from the environment and maintaining internal over-pressure with relation to the laboratory environment. The aforementioned four levels of biological safety also relate to animals, at which point the levels are known as ACL. The article describes the latest technical solutions allowing the safe conduct of investigations with highly pathogenic biological material on the basis of research carried out at the National Veterinary Research Institute in Puławy. |
| Keywords: OIE |