Synthetic biology and biosecurity. From low levels of awareness to a comprehensive strategy

Photo: Mashable

Synthetic biology has become one of the most dynamic research fields in the life sciences. In reality, though, the term is used to cover a host of different approaches rather than a single defined discipline; these range from the large-scale assembly of DNA segments to the development of new tools and technology platforms, and to the search for the minimal cell and the origins of life. The evolution of the field has also been accompanied by the recognition that the concomitant shift in biology from a descriptive to a predictive science, and the technologies that will ensue, bring with them a range of potential societal implications and dangers.
REFERENCE:
Kelle A. Synthetic biology and biosecurity. From low levels of awareness to a comprehensive strategy. EMBO Rep. 2009 Aug;10 Suppl 1:S23-7.

Containing the accidental laboratory escape of potential pandemic influenza viruses.

Abstract
BACKGROUND:

The recent work on the modified H5N1 has stirred an intense debate on the risk associated with the accidental release from biosafety laboratory of potential pandemic pathogens. Here, we assess the risk that the accidental escape of a novel transmissible influenza strain would not be contained in the local community.
METHODS:
We develop here a detailed agent-based model that specifically considers laboratory workers and their contacts in microsimulations of the epidemic onset. We consider the following non-pharmaceutical interventions: isolation of the laboratory, laboratory workers' household quarantine, contact tracing of cases and subsequent household quarantine of identified secondary cases, and school and workplace closure both preventive and reactive.
RESULTS:
Model simulations suggest that there is a non-negligible probability (5% to 15%), strongly dependent on reproduction number and probability of developing clinical symptoms, that the escape event is not detected at all. We find that the containment depends on the timely implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions and contact tracing and it may be effective (>90% probability per event) only for pathogens with moderate transmissibility (reproductive number no larger than R₀ = 1.5). Containment depends on population density and structure as well, with a probability of giving rise to a global event that is three to five times lower in rural areas.
CONCLUSIONS:
Results suggest that controllability of escape events is not guaranteed and, given the rapid increase of biosafety laboratories worldwide, this poses a serious threat to human health. Our findings may be relevant to policy makers when designing adequate preparedness plans and may have important implications for determining the location of new biosafety laboratories worldwide.

REFERENCE

1: Merler S, Ajelli M, Fumanelli L, Vespignani A. Containing the accidental laboratory escape of potential pandemic influenza viruses. BMC Med. 2013 Nov
28;11:252

Oversight and Review of Clinical Gene Transfer Protocols

Excerpt
Gene transfer research is a rapidly advancing field that involves the introduction of a genetic sequence into a human subject for research or diagnostic purposes. Clinical gene transfer trials are subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at the federal level and to oversight by institutional review boards (IRBs) and institutional biosafety committees (IBCs) at the local level before human subjects can be enrolled. In addition, at present all researchers and institutions funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are required by NIH guidelines to submit human gene transfer protocols for advisory review by the NIH Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC). Some protocols are then selected for individual review and public discussion. Oversight and Review of Clinical Gene Transfer Protocols provides an assessment of the state of existing gene transfer science and the current regulatory and policy context under which research is investigated. This report assesses whether the current oversight of individual gene transfer protocols by the RAC continues to be necessary and offers recommendations concerning the criteria the NIH should employ to determine whether individual protocols should receive public review. The focus of this report is on the standards the RAC and NIH should use in exercising its oversight function. Oversight and Review of Clinical Gene Transfer Protocols will assist not only the RAC, but also research institutions and the general public with respect to utilizing and improving existing oversight processes.
REFERENCE:
National Research Council. Oversight and Review of Clinical Gene Transfer Protocols: Assessing the Role of the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 2014.

#HappyNewYear #FelizAñoNuevo #2014

VIDEO: Películas recomendadas para estas vacaciones

1. World War Z (2013)

2. How to survive a Plague (2012)

3. Perfect Sense (2012)

4. Antiviral (2012)

5. Contagion (2011)

6. Carriers (2009)

7. Andromeda Strain (2008)

8. 28 days later (2002)

Hepatitis C Virus Maintains Infectivity for Weeks

ABSTRACT
Background: Healthcare workers may come into contact with fomites containing infectious HCV during preparation of plasma, or following placement or removal of venous lines. Similarly, injection drugs users may come into contact with fomites. Hypothesizing that prolonged viability of HCV in fomites may contribute significantly to incidence; we determined the longevity of virus infectivity and the effectiveness of antiseptics.
Methods: We determined the volume of drops misplaced during transfer of serum or plasma. Aliquots equivalent to the maximum drop volume of plasma spiked with 2a HCV reporter virus were loaded into 24-well plates. Plates were stored uncovered at three temperatures: 4°, 22°, and 37°C for up to 6 weeks before viral infectivity was determined in a microculture assay.
Results: The mean volume of an accidental drop was 29 μl (min - max of 20 - 33 μl). At storage temperatures 4° and 22°C, we recovered viable HCV from the low titer spots for up to 6 weeks of storage. The rank order of HCV virucidal activity of commonly used antiseptics was bleach (1:10) > cavicide (1:10) > ethanol (70%).
Conclusions:
The hypothesis of potential transmission from fomites was supported by the experimental results. The anti-HCV activity of commercial antiseptics varied. 

Reference

Elijah Paintsil1, Mawuena Binka2, Amisha Patel2, Brett D. Lindenbach3, and Robert Heimer2. Hepatitis C Virus Maintains Infectivity for Weeks after Drying on Inanimate Surfaces at Room Temperature: Implications for Risks of Transmission. JID 2013.

http://jid.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2013/11/22/infdis.jit648.full.pdf

Global Health Risks (2009)

Una descripción de las enfermedades y lesiones, así como los factores de riesgo que los causan, que son vitales para las decisiones de salud y planeación.

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Global Health Risks (2009)
ISBN 978 92 4 156387 1
© World Health Organization 2009

#REGENESIS: TV SERIES <= No se la pierdan #Feliz2014

Recomendaciones para fin de año.
Estas navidades, en las que tendremos mucho tiempo, les recomiento ver la serie de TV "Regenesis".

Esta serie canadiense se estrenó el 2004, con 4 temporadas, y se canceló en 2007. Se puedo ver por la cadena FX Latin America y en Science Discovery. Pueden ver la lista completa de capítulos aquí. Desafortunadamente es dificil verla ahora por cable, pero pueden comprarla. Pueden ver algunos clips aquí. En USA puede verse en hulu.com.
David Sandstrom es un científico, genetista, virólogo/microbiólogo, jefe de un laboratorio que se dedica a investigar las causas de diversas enfermedades misteriosas, y que originan la muerte de diversas personas. Una combinación de serie policíaca/forense con tonos de microbiología. Aunque cuenta con algunas inexactitudes científicas, pero considerando el año en que empezó a producirse, logra captar la atención del espectador. No se la pueden perder.

Responsible life sciences research for global health security #DURC

"Dual use research of concern (DURC)", es el término en inglés que hace referencia a aquella investigación científica que aunque se realiza con fines benéficos, podría utilizarse para hacer daño. 

La posibilidad de le la investigación con doble uso pueda ser utilizada equivocadamente, intencional o no intencionalmente, es una preocupación a largo plazo en la ciencia. Los temas son amplios y en concordancia no sólo con la investigación y la salud pública, sino también con la seguridad, las publicaciones científicas y la comunicación al público, por lo que la biotecnología, la ética son temas muy amplios.

DESCARGAR =>

Responsible life sciences research for global health security #DURC

http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2010/WHO_HSE_GAR_BDP_2010.2_eng.pdf

Publication details

Publication date: 2010
Languages: English
WHO reference number: WHO/HSE/GAR/BDP/2010.2

#Book : People, pathogens and our planet Vol. 2

People, pathogens and our planet Vol. 2
This report analyzes and assesses the benefits and the costs of control of an important group of contagious diseases. Zoonotic diseases are caused by pathogens that can infect both animals and humans, resulting in disease outbreaks, including epidemics in humans and epizootics in animals. These diseases account for 70 percent of emerging infectious  diseases. In the absence of timely disease control, zoonotic pathogens can cause pandemics, with potentially catastrophic impacts that are global in scale. The report also touches on food safety, but does not cover other risks and opportunities at the interfaces between humans, animals, and the ecosystem, such as food security and pollution. Limiting its focus to this topic matter has important advantages, particularly with respect to immediate relevance and relative simplicity.

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#Book : People, pathogens and our planet Vol. 1

People, pathogens and our planet : the economics of one health (English) Vol. 1

This study aims to build on the findings from the previously mentioned studies, and seeks to provide more detailed information on the costs of the various functions and categories of expenditure involved in the establishment and operation of system for the prevention and control of emerging zoonotic diseases at country and global level. It will also seek to provide information on efficiency and effectiveness gains that will result from the introduction of a One Health approach. With these aims, the study has two target audiences: (a) project planners, who will benefit from the information of the costs of setting up surveillance and control systems to be used as benchmarks when planning preparedness and control operations; and (b) policy planners at the decision-making level, who would use the information on the efficiency and effectiveness gains to guide them in the decision-making process regarding the eventual introduction of One Health. This report disaggregates costs by task, making explicit those activities that are critical for effectiveness and identifying scope for efficiencies. The analysis draws on a range of data sources and earlier work, including integrated national action plans for, and World Bank staff appraisal reports on, avian and pandemic influenzas responses, a survey of the directors of wildlife services, assessments of veterinary systems in developing countries, and OIE (Office International des Epizooties - World Organization for Animal Health) analyses of disease prevention systems. 

DETAILS

• Document Date2012/06/01
• Document TypeOther Agricultural Study
• Report Number69145
• Volume No1 of 1
• CountryWorld; 
• RegionThe World Region; 
• Disclosure Date2012/06/11
• Doc NamePeople, pathogens and our planet : the economics of one health

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Sesión de entrenamiento en Capasits/COESIDA en #Oaxaca #bioseguridad

Sesión de entrenamiento básico en equipo de proteción personal...

Capasits/COESIDA en Oaxaca 

Noviembre 6, 2013.

Gracias por participar

Infecciones con Salmonella en laboratorio de microbiología universitario #LAI

On May 2, 2013, a case of salmonellosis was reported to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The patient reported symptoms of diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and nausea, after attending a community college microbiology laboratory class. A second case was reported on May 8. Epidemiologic interviews conducted with both patients indicated common exposure at a community college, including one patient specifically naming the other patient.
On May 15, the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) determined that the clinical Salmonella isolates from stool specimens provided by outside hospital laboratories from both patients were indistinguishable by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis from a specimen used by the students during the microbiology class. The clinical isolates and laboratory class isolate all had a PFGE pattern indistinguishable from that of bacteria isolated during a national Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak in 2010 that was associated with clinical and teaching microbiology laboratories (1). No cases were reported from Maine during the 2010 outbreak. CONTINUA=>

¡Los hospitales no se incendian!

¡Los hospitales no se incendian! Guía hospitalaria para la prevención de incendios y evacuación Esta guía ha sido creada para poner de relieve la vulnerabilidad de los hospitales a los incendios. Es necesario que se adopten todas las medidas posibles para minimizar el riesgo de incendios en hospitales y asegurar la evacuación. El documento se puede aplicar en hospitales que han sido reforzados para mejorar la seguridad en cuanto a incendios, así como en nuevas instalaciones en proyecto. El documento está dividido en cuatro secciones principales a considerarse en caso de incendio en hospitales, a saber, prevención, supresión, evacuación y simulacros de capacitación. REFERENCIA: http://www.paho.org/disasters/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=2140&Itemid=

Antimicrobial Resistance in the Food Chain: A Review

Overview of horizontal gene transfer in food products
(For complete image click HERE).

Antimicrobial resistant zoonotic pathogens present on food constitute a direct risk to public health. Antimicrobial resistance genes in commensal or pathogenic strains form an indirect risk to public health, as they increase the gene pool from which pathogenic bacteria can pick up resistance traits. Food can be contaminated with antimicrobial resistant bacteria and/or antimicrobial resistance genes in several ways. A first way is the presence of antibiotic resistant bacteria on food selected by the use of antibiotics during agricultural production. A second route is the possible presence of resistance genes in bacteria that are intentionally added during the processing of food (starter cultures, probiotics, bioconserving microorganisms and bacteriophages). A last way is through cross-contamination with antimicrobial resistant bacteria during food processing. Raw food products can be consumed without having undergone prior processing or preservation and therefore hold a substantial risk for transfer of antimicrobial resistance to humans, as the eventually present resistant bacteria are not killed. As a consequence, transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes between bacteria after ingestion by humans may occur. Under minimal processing or preservation treatment conditions, sublethally damaged or stressed cells can be maintained in the food, inducing antimicrobial resistance build-up and enhancing the risk of resistance transfer. Food processes that kill bacteria in food products, decrease the risk of transmission of antimicrobial resistance.
REFERENCIA:
Verraes C. Antimicrobial Resistance in the Food Chain: A Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2013 July; 10(7): 2643–2669.

Influence of temperature and organic load on chemical disinfection

ABSTRACT:
This study evaluated the influence of temperature and organic load on the effectiveness of domestic bleach (DB), Surface Decontamination Foam (SDF), and Virkon in inactivating Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores, which are a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis spores. The spores were suspended in light or heavy organic preparations and the suspension was applied to stainless steel carrier disks. The dried spore inoculum was covered with the disinfectants and the disks were then incubated at various temperatures. At −20°C, the 3 disinfectants caused less than a 2.0 log10 reduction of spores in both organic preparations during a 24-h test period. At 4°C, the DB caused a 4.4 log10 reduction of spores in light organic preparations within 2 h, which was about 3 log10 higher than what was achieved with SDF or Virkon. In heavy organic preparations, after 24 h at 4°C the SDF had reduced the spore count by 4.5 log10, which was about 2 log10 higher than for DB or Virkon. In general, the disinfectants were most effective at 23°C but a 24-h contact time was required for SDF and Virkon to reduce spore counts in both organic preparations by at least 5.5 log10. Comparable disinfecting activity with DB only occurred with the light organic load. In summary, at temperatures as low as 4°C, DB was the most effective disinfectant, inactivating spores within 2 h on surfaces with a light organic load, whereas SDF produced the greatest reduction of spores within 24 h on surfaces with a heavy organic load.
REFERENCE:
Jiewen Guan, Maria Chan, Brian W. Brooks, and Liz Rohonczy. Influence of temperature and organic load on chemical disinfection of Geobacillus steareothermophilus spores, a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis. Can J Vet Res. 2013 April; 77(2): 100–104.

Histoplasmosis: Protecting Workers at Risk

This booklet is a revised edition of the NIOSH document Histoplasmosis: Protecting Workers at Risk, which was originally published in September 1997. The updated information in this booklet will help readers under­ stand what histoplasmosis is and recognize activities that may expose workers to the disease-causing fungus  Histoplasma capsulatum. The booklet also informs readers about methods they can use to protect themselves and others from exposure.
Outbreaks of histoplasmosis have shared similar circumstances: People who did not know the health risks of  breathing in the spores of H. capsulatum became ill and sometimes caused others nearby to become ill when they disturbed contaminated soil or accumulations of bird or bat manure. Because they were unaware of the hazard, they did not take protective measures that could have prevented illness.
This booklet will help prevent such exposures by serving as a guide for safety and health professionals, environmental consultants, supervisors, and others responsible for the safety and health of those working near material contaminated with H. capsulatum. Activities that pose a health risk to workers at these sites include disturbance of soil at an active or inactive bird roost or poultry house, excavation in regions where this  fungus is endemic, and removal of bat or bird manure from buildings.
REFERENCE:
Histoplasmosis: Protecting Workers at Risk. NIOSH/CDC 2003

Technologies to Enable Autonomous Detection for BioWatch

Technologies to Enable Autonomous Detection for BioWatch is the summary of a workshop hosted jointly by the Institute of Medicine and the National Research Council in June 2013 to explore alternative cost-effective systems that would meet the requirements for a BioWatch Generation 3.0 autonomous detection system, or autonomous detector, for aerosolized agents . The workshop discussions and presentations focused on examination of the use of four classes of technologies--nucleic acid signatures, protein signatures, genomic sequencing, and mass spectrometry--that could reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6-plus in which the technology has been validated and is ready to be tested in a relevant environment over three different tiers of temporal timeframes: those technologies that could be TRL 6-plus ready as part of an integrated system by 2016, those that are likely to be ready in the period 2016 to 2020, and those are not likely to be ready until after 2020. Technologies to Enable Autonomous Detection for BioWatch discusses the history of the BioWatch program, the role of public health officials and laboratorians in the interpretation of BioWatch data and the information that is needed from a system for effective decision making, and the current state of the art of four families of technology for the BioWatch program. This report explores how the technologies discussed might be strategically combined or deployed to optimize their contributions to an effective environmental detection capability.

Paperback

300 pages | 6 x 9 

ISBN 978-0-309-29251-1

Oct 15, Día Mundial del Lavado de Manos #IWashMyHands

Un gesto tan simple como lavarse las manos con agua y jabón puede ser clave para la supervivencia de millones de personas, sobre todo de los más pequeños. Los niños y niñas son especialmente vulnerables a los efectos de la diarrea y de las infecciones respiratorias, enfermedades que se pueden prevenir fácilmente y de forma barata con un poco de agua y jabón. Este día quiere servir como recordatorio de la importancia de esta práctica

El Día Mundial del Lavado de Manos es un llamamiento para concientizar a la población de que un poco de agua y jabón pueden salvar muchas vidas. Este día se celebra por primera vez este 15 de octubre en 70 países de los cinco contienentes. Es la primera vez en la historia en la que una campaña mundial pide a millones de personas que laven sus manos con agua y jabón
Referencias:
Global Hand Washing
UNICEF   

Fire Exposures of Fire Fighter Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Facepiece Lenses

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), conducted experiments which demonstrated a range of realistic thermal exposures and environmental conditions that firefighters could be exposed to. Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) facepieces were exposed to thermal environments from propane-fueled calibration experiments and furnished townhouse fire experiments. The rooms and the facepieces were instrumented to measure temperatures of the environment and the facepieces. The fire experiments lasted 5 minutes to 10 minutes and produced ceiling temperatures of approximately 500 °C (932 °F) to 750 °C (1382 °F) in the room adjacent to the fire. A heat flux gauge was also installed next to the facepieces and measured peak heat fluxes from approximately 2 kW/m2 to 55 kW/m2. Eight facepieces were tested in six different experiments, with three facepiece lenses showing evidence of thermal degradation from the exposure. Maximum exterior lens temperatures were as high as 300 °C (572 °F) in these cases. The environments that caused the failures were identified in an attempt to characterize the thermal performance of SCBA facepieces. Although much was learned about conditions associated with thermal degradation of SCBA facepiece lenses, more experiments are needed to be able to understand the thermal degradation and more definitively predict the conditions that are likely to cause a facepiece lens failure.
REFERENCE
Fire Exposures of Fire Fighter Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Facepiece Lenses
National Institute of Standards and Technology Technical Note 1724
Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. Tech. Note 1724, 45 pages (November 2011)
CODEN: NSPUE2

The Handwashing Handbook

This handbook grows out of the experience of the Global Public-Private Partnership for Handwashing with Soap (PPPHW) and its predecessor, the Central American Handwashing for Diarrheal Disease Prevention Program. These efforts demonstrated that mass programs with public and private sector involvement can be successful in promoting handwashing and reducing disease. With core support from the Bank Netherlands Water Partnership, the PPPHW has brought together global public and private agencies to consolidate approaches while initiating large-scale handwashing promotion in Ghana, Peru, Senegal, and Nepal. While much has been learned about handwashing promotion in recent years, especially in the areas of research and program design, countries are still experimenting with, and optimizing approaches to implementation. It is important to lay out what is known so that others can begin designing programs and contributing to a global body of knowledge and experience in the fight against child mortality. This handbook is intended for staff in government and development organizations charged with carrying out handwashing programs. Decision-makers in Ministries and funding agencies will also find assistance in designing policies and programs to improve public health.

TheHandwashingHandbook:A guide for developing a hygiene promotion programto increase handwashing with soap

Volcanoes: Protecting the Public´s Health

This instructional guide is meant for use before, during and after the viewing of the video "Volcanoes: Protecting the Public’s Health." It uses a simple format to present the most important aspects of the video, providing technical information for health personnel who may be involved in prevention, preparedness, or response activities in volcanic emergencies. The information in the video and guide are based on experiences in the Americas, addressing the major health risks associated with volcanic eruptions and basic planning measures that the health sector should undertake to reduce potential losses. The video is divided into two distinct but complementary sections that can be used together or separately.
REFERENCIA:
Volcanoes: Protecting the Public’s Health

Advancing infection control in dental care settings

ABSTRACT
Background and Overview. The authors set out to identify factors associated with implementation by U.S. dentists of four practices first recommended in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings—2003.
Methods. In 2008, the authors surveyed a stratified random sample of 6,825 U.S. dentists. The response rate was 49 percent. The authors gathered data regarding dentists’ demographic and practice characteristics, attitudes toward infection control, sources of instruction regarding the guidelines and knowledge about the need to use sterile water for surgical procedures. Then they assessed the impact of those factors on the implementation of four recommendations: having an infection control coordinator, maintaining dental unit water quality, documenting percutaneous injuries and using safer medical devices, such as safer syringes and scalpels. The authors conducted bivariate analyses and proportional odds modeling.
Results. Responding dentists in 34 percent of practices had implemented none or one of the four recommendations, 40 percent had implemented two of the recommendations and 26 percent had implemented three or four of the recommendations. The likelihood of implementation was higher among dentists who acknowledged the importance of infection control, had practiced dentistry for less than 30 years, had received more continuing dental education credits in infection control, correctly identified more surgical procedures that require the use of sterile water, worked in larger practices and had at least three sources of instruction regarding the guidelines. Dentists with practices in the South Atlantic, Middle Atlantic or East South Central U.S. Census divisions were less likely to have complied.
Conclusions. Implementation of the four recommendations varied among U.S. dentists. Strategies targeted at raising awareness of the importance of infection control, increasing continuing education requirements and developing multiple modes of instruction may increase implementation of current and future Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
REFERENCE:
Jennifer L. Cleveland, et al.  Advancing infection control in dental care settings. JADA 2012;143(10):1127-1138.

StarTalkRadio: Zombie Apocalypse (Part 2)

PART 2: The Zombie Apocalypse rages on as Neil deGrasse Tyson hunts for the truth with World War Z author Max Brooks and Pulitzer Prize winning journalist and virus expert Laurie Garrett.
45 mins.

How to choose a suit for a BSL4 laboratory

Elegir el traje apropiado para un laboratorio BSL4 es de vital importancia para crear un ambiente de trabajo seguir dentro de las instalaciones. El traje debe de proveer protección para quien lo usa y ser compatible con la infraestructura en las instalaciones, además de proporcionar cierto grado de confort. En este artículos los autores desarrollaron un programa de pruebas para comparar los diferentes modelos de traje y garantizar que los trajes elegidos puedan ser utilizados bajo condiciones específicas.
REFERENCIA:
Kümin D, Krebs C & Wick P. How to choose a suit for a BSL4 laboratory- The approach taken at Spiez Laboratory.  Applied Biosafety 2011. Vol. 16, No. 2, p94-102