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THE ORCBS > Biological Safety > Programs & Guidelines > Biosafety Manual >
Since 1985, the incidence of tuberculosis in the United States has been increasing steadily, reversing a 30 year downward trend. Recently, drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have become a serious concern. Outbreaks of tuberculosis, including drug resistant strains, have occurred in healthcare environments. Several hundred employees have become infected after workplace exposure to tuberculosis, requiring medical treatment. A number of healthcare workers have died. In October 1994, CDC first published its "Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Facilities." These guidelines were reviewed and updated by the CDC in 2005. The guidelines contain specific information on ventilation requirements, respiratory protection, medical surveillance and training for those personnel who are considered at risk for exposure to tuberculosis. For more information, contact the ORCBS at 355-0153. Investigators intending to work with Mycobacterium sp. in the laboratory must contact the ORCBS well in advance. Propagation and/or manipulation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and M. bovis cultures in the laboratory or animal room must be performed at BSL-3. |
Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Tuberculosis 
