Safety in the Laboratory

The worldwide resurgence of tuberculosis (TB) has resulted in a rapid expansion in research efforts directed at a deeper understanding of the disease, the efficacy of vaccines, and improved drug targets. This has required the establishment of multiple new facilities to contain the pathogen and to protect staff from accidental infection. In addition, much of the research effort has been due to the emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR) strains which offer increased levels of hazard in the event of laboratory infection and focus the need for stringent working practices. This chapter presents an overview of the recommendations and regulations for working with Mycobacterium tuberculosis , and suggests some ideas based on our experience in setting up and using Category 3 facilities.