January 16, 2024
A recent study published in The Lancet Microbe has shed light on the prevalence of laboratory-related infections (LAIs) and accidental pathogen escapes from facilities over the past two decades. The findings, based on analysis of 94 reports between 2000 and 2021, indicate a significant number of cases, with 309 LAIs and 16 incidents of accidental pathogen escape.
Key Points:
- Global Impact:
- The study identified 309 LAIs caused by 51 pathogens and 16 accidental pathogen escape incidents worldwide.
- Out of the 309 LAI cases, the United States reported the highest number with 238, followed by Europe with 28, and Asia with 23 incidents.
- Location and Settings:
- Nearly 40% of LAI cases occurred in academic settings, 25% in unspecified locations, and almost 20% in research facilities. Vaccine facilities accounted for over 7% of cases.
- Pathogens and Causes:
- Bacteria were the leading cause of LAIs, constituting 77% of cases, followed by viruses at 13.9%.
- Procedural errors were identified as the primary cause of LAIs, contributing to almost 70% of incidents. Other causes included needlestick injuries, spills, splashes, broken vials, and animal bites.
- Accidental Pathogen Escape Incidents:
- Out of the 16 accidental pathogen escape incidents, six involved bacteria, and the remaining 10 were viral.
- While APELS generally did not cause infections, some incidents led to disease outbreaks, such as the 10,528 brucellosis infections linked to a Brucella vaccine production facility in Lanzhou, China.
- Global Reporting Challenges:
- The study highlighted potential under-reporting of LAIs due to a lack of globalized formal reporting requirements. The data might represent only the tip of the iceberg.
- Recommendations:
- Researchers emphasized the need for improved understanding, preventive measures, and continuous improvement through formalized reporting and root-cause analysis.
- Recommendations include robust institutional leadership, laboratory design, and risk-based practices suitable for handling known biohazards.
- Context:
- The study gains significance amid increased concerns about lab leaks, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The origin of the virus remains a topic of debate, with a U.S. Senate report suggesting a likely leak from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
- Biosafety Concerns:
- Laboratories are classified from BSL-1 to BSL-4 based on safety measures, with BSL-4 representing the highest precautions.
- Global Biolabs warned of biosafety and biosecurity concerns, citing that 75% of operational BSL-4 labs are in cities where dense populations could exacerbate the impact of an accidental release.
In conclusion, the study calls for increased vigilance, reporting mechanisms, and safety measures to mitigate the risks associated with laboratory-related infections and pathogen escapes.