Final answer:
To handle Burkholderia cepacia in a BSL-2 laboratory, one should disinfect the work area before and after, manage spills with thorough disinfection, and conduct medical procedures that risk contamination in a sterile field with aseptic technique to minimize spread and infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Precautions for Burkholderia cepacia in BSL-2 Laboratories
When working with Burkholderia cepacia, a bacterium often associated with healthcare settings, certain precautions must be initiated to prevent infections, especially among vulnerable populations. Burkholderia cepacia is considered a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) pathogen, and thus requires additional safeguarding practices beyond those for BSL-1 organisms.
For BSL-2 bacteria like Burkholderia cepacia, you must:
- Disinfect your work area both before and after working with bacterial cultures to prevent the spread of these organisms.
- In case of an accidental spill, saturate the spill area with disinfectant, cover it with paper towels, wait for 10 minutes, and then clean the area again with disinfectant, disposing of waste in biohazard containers.
- Ensure that medical procedures that have a risk for contamination, such as ventilator management or intubation, are carried out in a sterile field maintained by proper aseptic technique to prevent the introduction of the bacteria and potential sepsis.
By adhering to these additional safety practices, the risk of contamination and spread of Burkholderia cepacia can be minimized in clinical and laboratory settings.