Scenario 1- Four biological risk groups defined by W.H.O
This particular post is dedicated to the four biological risk groups as defined by the W.H.O (World Health Organisation)With reference to the WHO Classification of Infective Microorganisms by Risk Group (2004),
Each country categorizes the agents in a particular country by risk group established on the pathogenicity of different organisms, modes of transmission and host range of the organism.
Prevailing levels of immunity, density and movement of host population, presence of suitable vectors and standards of environmental hygiene are some of the factors that influence the categorisation of organisms by risk groups.
Effective preventive measures should be easily available such as prophylaxis by antisera or vaccination; food and water hygiene to keep up with sanitation; control of animal reservoirs or arthropod vectors; importation of infected animals or animal goods; movement of animals or people. Proper screening and quarantine protocols should be established as well.
Effective treatment should also be accessible. Treatments include passive immunization and post-exposure vaccination, antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents. However, the possibility of emergence of resistant strains, as well as existing conditions in the geographical area where the microorganisms are handled should be taken into consideration.
WHO Risk Group 1 (low individual and community risk or none at all)
Human or animal disease unlikely to occur when infected with the microorganism.
WHO Risk Group 2 (moderate individual risk, low community risk)
Human or animal disease can occur by a pathogen. However, it is unlikely to be a grave hazard to laboratory workers, the community, livestock or the environment. Laboratory exposures might cause severe infection, but effective treatment and precautionary measures are available. Thus the risk of spread of infection is limited.
WHO Risk Group 3 (high individual risk, low community risk)
This risk group comprises of pathogens that does not ordinarily spread from one infected individual to another but usually causes serious human or animal disease. In this context, effective treatment and preventive measures should be made accessible.
WHO Risk Group 4 (high individual and community risk)
This risk group comprises of pathogens that are able to be freely spread from one individual to another through direct or indirect means, and usually causes serious human or animal disease. Effective treatment and preventive measures are not commonly available.
References:
American Biological Safety Association. (2004). Risk Group Classification for Infectious Agents. Retrieved from http://www.absa.org/riskgroups/index.html
Fleming, D. O. & Hunt, D. L. (Eds.). Biological Safety: Principles and Practices. (4th ed.). Washington, DC: ASM Press.
World Health Organization. (2004). Laboratory Biosafety Manual (3rd ed.). Retrieved from WHO, Geneva: http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/biosafety/Biosafety7.pdf
Human or animal disease can occur by a pathogen. However, it is unlikely to be a grave hazard to laboratory workers, the community, livestock or the environment. Laboratory exposures might cause severe infection, but effective treatment and precautionary measures are available. Thus the risk of spread of infection is limited.
WHO Risk Group 3 (high individual risk, low community risk)
This risk group comprises of pathogens that does not ordinarily spread from one infected individual to another but usually causes serious human or animal disease. In this context, effective treatment and preventive measures should be made accessible.
WHO Risk Group 4 (high individual and community risk)
This risk group comprises of pathogens that are able to be freely spread from one individual to another through direct or indirect means, and usually causes serious human or animal disease. Effective treatment and preventive measures are not commonly available.
References:
American Biological Safety Association. (2004). Risk Group Classification for Infectious Agents. Retrieved from http://www.absa.org/riskgroups/index.html
Fleming, D. O. & Hunt, D. L. (Eds.). Biological Safety: Principles and Practices. (4th ed.). Washington, DC: ASM Press.
World Health Organization. (2004). Laboratory Biosafety Manual (3rd ed.). Retrieved from WHO, Geneva: http://www.who.int/csr/resources/publications/biosafety/Biosafety7.pdf
Labels: biological risk groups
posted by Michelle, Bernadette, Shanna, Karen, Su Wei, Shi Ting @ 15:50
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