There have been recent reports of laboratory worker-acquired infections at Boston University. What is the UWs track record of such events?
The recent infections at Boston University occurred in a BSL2 facility and, although the investigation is still ongoing, it appears that the laboratory received a virulent strain of the bacterium instead of the expected weakened vaccine strain. The University of Washington has successfully conducted research at both the BSL 2 and BSL 3 level for years. Based on available data, there has only been one incident at the UW, that occurred more than 20 years ago, when laboratory workers were exposed to a respiratory system pathogen in a BSL2 facility. All workers responded promptly and positively to antibiotic therapy. The high skill level of the researchers, the required operating procedures, and the protective equipment and facilities used, as well as the safety training received provide a framework where the chance of a laboratory acquired disease is minimized to the greatest degree possible.
