Agents microbiological

The mammalian liver is a construction of living cells that function (unlike in other organs) in a delicate choreography that simultaneously detoxifies, metabolizes, and synthesizes proteins. The liver handles the breakdown and synthesis of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, proteins, nucleic acids, and coenzymes (Figure 1.8). In addition to the hepatocytes, other cells within the liver perform other vital functions. The system contributes to the disposition of particulates carried by the bloodstream and fights myriad microbiological agents responsible for a number of infectious diseases. ... 

Although microbiologic decontamination of the BSC is not required, except as used in the manipulation of microbiologic agents, proper containment technique should be employed when refiltering or servicing these units. 

Physical agents Microbiological agents Immune mechanisms... 

It is obvious that many microbiological agents do not meet these basic requirements for BW purposes. Conversely, there are relatively few organisms that meet them. 

While there are several classes of pathogenic microbiological agents, we will focus on the two major classes that are of greatest concern to laboratorians viruses and bacteria. 

Dermal exposure can be especially important if you have any breaks or compromises in your skin—cuts, scrapes, abrasions, dermatitis, or other skin conditions—that could be exposed to splashes, aerosols, or other inadvertent exposures and provide entry points for microbiological agents. 

Biosafety Levels—Protections When Using Microbiological Agents in the Laboratory... 

As a chemistry student, most of you will not encounter laboratories where microbiological agents in their purified states are commonly used. However, these agents are often used in microbiological laboratories in academic settings and with the large amount of crossover of scientific discipUnes, you should have at least a very brief introduction to standard practices for microbiological and biomedical laboratories. 

Biosafety is the term that describes measures to safely handle microbiological agents in the laboratory. The emphasis in biosafety is the same as in chemical safety and laboratory safety prevent exposure. When handling microbiological agents, the biosafety community makes every effort at containment so that exposure does not occur. Aerosols are produced by many laboratory operations and these aerosols can provide significant opportunities for exposure if not contained. 

BSCs are specially designed for handling microbiological agents or infectious materials and are classified according to design and setup. A comparison of the various classes of BSCs is presented in Table 7.3.4.1. 

BSCs are designed to handle microbiological agents and are not designed to handle chemicals. It is possible to use small amounts of nonvolatile chemicals. You will see that some classes allow minimal amounts of volatile chemicals and this is only when they are ducted. The CDC/NIH BSC book calls these minimal amounts minute or small but it is not clear what these terms mean. However, the use of flammable or volatile chemicals in BSCs may present a very real hazard from fire or explosion if concentrations are not carefully controlled. Concentrations of flammable chemicals must never be allowed to approach the lower explosion limit. Procedures involving other than minute or small amounts of flammable or volatile chemicals should be carried out in a chemical hood, not a BSC. 

The use of microbiological agents can create an opportunity for contamination of surfaces, equipment, and materials that could be sources of exposure. Microbiologists frequently use chemicals to decontaminate these surfaces, equipment, and materials. 

What is the most important laboratory method by which exposure to microbiological agents is prevented ... 

Infectious enteritis. Inflammation of the small intestine caused by bacteria, viruses or other microbiological agents. 

Rose, J.B., Epstein, P.R., Lipp, E.K., Sherman, B.H., Bernard, S.M., and Patz, J.A. (2001). Climate variability and change in the United States potential impacts on water- and foodbome diseases caused by microbiologic agents. Environ. Health Perspect. 109 Suppl 2, 211-221. 

Most chemists will not routinely work in laboratories where microbiological agents in their purified states are commonly used. However, these agents are often used in microbiological laboratories in academic... 

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