Question

List 7 examples of BSL-3 agents.

a) Bacillus anthracis, Clostridium tetani, Yersinia pestis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli
b) Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Brucella spp., Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, Yersinia pestis, Salmonella typhi, Rickettsia rickettsii
c) Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
d) Clostridium difficile, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Vibrio cholerae, Neisseria meningitidis, Corynebacterium diph

Answer 1

BSL-3 agents are pathogens that can cause severe or lethal inhalation infections. They require BSL-3 labs with strict safety measures including directional airflow, respirators, and specialized cabinets. Examples include Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Brucella spp., and Coxiella burnetii.

Step-by-step explanation:

BSL-3 agents are known to potentially cause serious or potentially lethal infections through inhalation and encompass both indigenous and exotic pathogens. When handling BSL-3 agents, laboratories must follow strict safety protocols. Among the various agents that would require BSL-3 precautions include:

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis
• Brucella spp.
• Coxiella burnetii
• Francisella tularensis
• Yersinia pestis
• Salmonella typhi
• Rickettsia rickettsii

These agents are capable of transmission via aerosols, thus requiring BSL-3 lab features such as directional airflow, respirators, and working within a biological safety cabinet. Enhanced precautions beyond BSL-2 levels, like a hands-free sink and self-locking doors, are also obligatory.