Monitoring of Laboratory-Acquired Infections

In laboratories of universities, hospitals, research institutes and companies, activities are carried out on, and with micro-organisms that have a diverse ability to cause disease. The purpose of these activities can be to study or diagnose disease processes, to gain knowledge on biological processes, or to develop new medicines, foods, or vaccines. To protect both humans and the environment from possible harmful effects from these activities, a number of safety measures are in place regarding containment in laboratories and training of personnel. In addition, the safety measures that are enforced have been incorporated in professional standards that correspond to national and international legislation. Despite these measures, incidental infections occur during laboratory activities, so-called laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs). The occurrence of LAIs can be an indication of potentially hazardous situations in laboratories where pathogenic micro-organisms are used, whether or not genetically modified. Alternatively, a low incidence of LAIs may indicate that current biosafety regulations and practices are actually effective. In this context, COGEM commissioned a research project aiming to provide insight into monitoring of LAIs. The project consists of: • a review of the regulatory framework on monitoring of LAIs in Europe and in some other countries; • the occurrence of LAIs as reported in the literature; and • findings and recommendations from stakeholders engaged in maintaining biosafety. The report comprehensively describes the possibilities and restrictions of LAI monitoring. The Advisory Committee endorses the view of the researchers that monitoring of LAIs is essential to gain insight into the effectiveness of current biosafety measures and to draw lessons for further biosafety optimization. In this regard, blame-free reporting of LAIs is essential. A remarkable finding is that LAIs with genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) hardly seem to occur. This is likely due to the inherent safe nature of GMOs (“biological containment”), whether or not in combination with adherence to effective safety measures. Most of the reported LAIs are infections with wild-type, non-genetically modified, pathogenic micro-organisms occurring in diagnostic and research laboratories. The Advisory Committee highly recommends this report for your consideration. It contains valuable insights and important recommendations with regard to optimization of LAI monitoring and biosafety.

Tjeerd G. Kimman Chair of the Advisory Committee