Laboratory associated zoonotic parasitic infections: a review of main agents and biosecurity measures

Laboratory workers are exposed to the risk of acquiring infections due to the manipulation of infectious materials. The biological hazard for researchers is seven times higher when compared with hospital and public health laboratory workers. Despite the implementation of standardized practices to control infections, multiple cases of Laboratory Associated Infections (LAIs) usually go unreported. There has been a lack of comprehensive epidemiological data regarding the situation of LAIs for parasitic zoonosis and besides, the available sources are not completely updated. Since most accounts of laboratory infections are organism-specific, this study has focused on common pathogenic/zoonotic species handled at parasitological laboratories and summarising the standard biosecurity protocols for the infectious agents. The main characteristics ofCryptosporidium spp.,Entamoeba spp,Giardia duodenalis, Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmaniaspp., Echinococcus spp., Schistosomaspp.,Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Strongyloides stercoralisare considered in this review in order to assess the potential risk of developing occupational infections in the workplace along with stating prevention and prophylactic measures for each species. It was concluded that the LAIs from these agents can be prevented by using personal protective measures and good laboratory practices. However, further studies are necessary to better understand the environmental resistance of cysts, oocysts and eggs, with a view t...
Source: The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Source Type: research