Posted September 27, 2017 by Ashley Washburn
A multistate outbreak of illnesses from Salmonella Typhimurium highlights the potential risk of pathogenic infections associated with microbiology laboratories.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in July that infections originated in clinical, commercial and university microbiology teaching laboratories. Although Nebraska was not among the 16 states where infections occurred, faculty, staff and students working in laboratory settings are urged to take part in biosafety training to reduce the risk of such incidents.
Environmental Health and Safety offers web-based courses for researchers working in Biosafety Level 1 and Biosafety Level 2 laboratories. Investigators also may schedule in-person training by contacting ehs@unl.edu or 402-472-4925.
The strain of Salmonella Typhimurium that caused 24 illnesses between March 17 and June 22 is related to a strain from outbreaks in 2014 and 2011, also linked to microbiology laboratories. Based on recommendations from the CDC, the American Society for Microbiology has developed uniform guidelines for working with microorganisms in teaching laboratories.
For more information about biosafety training at Nebraska, contact Matthew Anderson, biosafety officer, 402-472-9554.