Question

A scientist is investigating an exotic, dangerous bacterial strain that poses a high risk of fatality in humans, and there are no known treatments or vaccines. The scientist is working at one of the few labs worldwide that are qualified to handle this kind of bacterium. What is the biological safety level of this bacterium?

a) BSL-2
b) BSL-4
c) BSL-3
d) BSL-1

Answer 1

The dangerous and exotic bacterium with no known treatments or vaccines would require a containment level of BSL-4 due to the high risk it poses.

Step-by-step explanation:

The biological safety level of a bacterium that is exotic, dangerous, with a high risk of fatality in humans, and for which there are no known treatments or vaccines would be BSL-4. This level of containment is used for the most dangerous and often fatal pathogens that are easily transmitted through inhalation and for which there are no available treatments or vaccines. Therefore, the bacterium in question, which is handled in a few highly specialized labs globally, would be classified under BSL-4, requiring the highest containment measures, including complete isolation, full-body protective suits, and specialized air systems with rigorous decontamination protocols.

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