Biosafety Terms and Definitions

Risk Group 1

Microorganisms not known to cause disease in healthy adult humans (Bacillus subtilis, infectious canine hepatitis)

Risk Group 2

Indigenous, moderate-risk microorganisms and toxins associated with human disease of varying severity (Hepatitis B virus, Salmonella species, botulinum neurotoxin). Preventatives and/or therapeutics are often available. These pathogens are generally manipulated at Biosafety Level 2 which is similar to a typical university or hospital laboratory.

Risk Group 3

Indigenous or exotic agents where the potential for infection by aerosol exists and disease may have serious to lethal consequences (Yellow fever virus, Venezuelan equine encephalitis). Preventatives and/or therapeutics may be available. These pathogens are typically manipulated at Biosafety Level 3 which is also referred to as “high containment”.

Risk Group 4

Dangerous and exotic microorganisms that pose a high risk of life-threatening disease (Lassa fever virus, Ebola virus, Marburg virus). Preventatives and/or therapeutics are not usually available. These pathogens are manipulated at Biosafety Level 4 which is also referred to as “maximum containment”.

Decontamination

Disinfection or sterilization of infected articles to make them suitable for use (6 log reduction in microbial load).

Disinfection

Selective elimination of certain undesirable microorganisms in order to prevent their transmission (e.g., 1:10 bleach solution wipe down of BSC

BSC (Class II)

Biological Safety Cabinet. An enclosure designed to protect the worker, product and environment from exposure to microbiological agents through filtration and airflow.

BSC (Class III)

“Glovebox”. An enclosure providing the highest level of microbial containment, designed to protect the worker, product and environment from exposure to microbiological agents. Work is performed in the gas-tight enclosure through arm-length gloves.