Question

"As part of containment guidelines for naturally occurring and genetically modified microbes, NIH classified microbes to biosafety levels according to their risks to even healthy individuals. What is the BSL classification of organisms that can cause disease even in otherwise healthy individuals?"

-BSL-4
-BSL-2
-BSL-3
-BSL-1
-BSL-5

Answer 1

Microbes that can cause disease in otherwise healthy individuals are classified at BSL-2, which is for pathogens posing moderate risk and requires special laboratory safety measures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The biosafety level (BSL) classification system is designed to contain microbes according to their risks and the potential for causing disease in healthy individuals. Microbes that can cause disease in otherwise healthy individuals are often classified at BSL-2, which is for agents that pose moderate risks to laboratory workers and the community. BSL-2 laboratories are designed with additional safety measures such as restricted access, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safety cabinets to prevent aerosol transmission.

It's important to understand that microbes are classified into BSLs based on their infectivity, ease of transmission, and potential disease severity. The BSL-4 classification is reserved for the most dangerous pathogens that are often fatal, easily transmitted by inhalation, and for which there are no treatments or vaccines. Hence, the appropriate BSL classification for organisms that can cause disease even in healthy individuals is BSL-2.