What kind of biological agents will researchers be working with in UofL’s lab?
Initially, UofL researchers plan to study two agents in the facility, tularemia and antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis. Tularemia is a naturally occurring bacteria found mostly in wild rodents and rabbits. It does not easily spread to people and is quickly killed by heat and disinfectants. Antibiotic-resistant TB can be transmitted through the air via droplets from an infected person’s cough, but generally spreads only to someone who has had prolonged close contact with that person. Other agents will be added as new researchers are recruited and projects develop. UofL will not study any potentially dangerous organism without first assessing the possible risk to researchers, people on campus and community members and ensuring that adequate safety measures are in place.
