Abstract
The Rosalind Franklin Society (RFS), in partnership with Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers, enthusiastically congratulate our distinguished recipient of the 2022 annual
LaTonya A. Clay, et al., “Monitoring Laboratory Occupational Exposures to Burkholderia pseudomallei,” Applied Biosafety 27, no. 2 (May 2022): 84–91, http://doi.org/10.1089/apb.2021.0039.
Abstract
Burkholderia pseudomallei is a Tier 1 overlap select agent and subject to the select agent regulations. B. pseudomallei infection can produce systemic illness and can be fatal in the absence of appropriate treatment. Laboratory exposures involving this organism may occur when appropriate containment measures are not employed.
This study presents data reported to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Select Agents and Toxins for releases involving B. pseudomallei in 2017–2019 that occurred in Biosafety Level (BSL)-2 and BSL-3 laboratories. Fifty-one Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)/CDC Form 3 release reports led to the medical surveillance of 275 individuals. Entities offered post-exposure prophylaxis to ∼76% of the individuals impacted in the presented events.
Laboratory safety can be improved by implementing appropriate safety precautions to minimize exposures. Most of the incidents discussed in this evidence-based report occurred during work conducted in the absence of primary containment. None of the releases resulted in illness, death, or transmission to or among workers, nor was there transmission outside of a laboratory into the surrounding environment or community.
Biosketch
LaTonya Clay is a senior microbiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Center for Preparedness and Response, Division of Select Agents and Toxins. She has a Doctor of Philosophy degree in biological sciences, with an emphasis in molecular biology. Dr. Clay has over 20 years of biological safety and laboratory expertise and over 13 years of experience with ensuring compliance with Federal Select Agent Program regulations. In her current role with the CDC Federal Select Agent Program, she helps to ensure that scientific research in laboratories is conducted in a safe and secure manner. Her previous experience includes over 10 years as senior manager with the Georgia Department of Public Health in the Laboratory Emergency Preparedness and Response section. As safety and chemical hygiene officer, she developed, implemented, and evaluated safety policies and standard operating procedures, training curricula, and exercises to ensure compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, CDC Select Agent, and other regulatory authorities.