credits bmbl December 7 '06.doc - Central Michigan University

Agent Summary Statements – Bacterial Agents
Strict compliance with BSL-2 practices, containment equipment, and facilities are
recommended for all activities utilizing known or potentially infectious clinical materials
or cultures. Procedures with aerosol or high splash potential should be conducted with
primary containment equipment or in devices such as a BSC or safety centrifuge cups.
Personal protective equipment, such as splash shields, face protection, gowns, and gloves
should be used in accordance with a risk assessment. The importance of proper gloving
techniques and frequent and thorough hand washing is emphasized. Care in manipulating
faucet handles to prevent contamination of cleaned hands or the use of sinks equipped
with remote water control devices, such as foot pedals, is highly recommended. Special
attention to the timely and appropriate decontamination of work surfaces, including
potentially contaminated equipment and laboratory fixtures, is strongly advised. ABSL-2
practices and facilities are recommended for activities with experimentally or naturally
infected animals.
SPECIAL ISSUES
Transfer of Agent Importation of this agent may require CDC and/or USDA importation
permits. Domestic transport of this agent may require a permit from USDA/APHIS/VS.
A DoC permit may be required for the export of this agent to another country. See
Appendix C for additional information.
Agent: Shigella
The genus Shigella is composed of nonmotile gram-negative bacteria in the
family Enterobacteriaceae. There are four subgroups that have been historically treated as
separate species, even though more recent genetic analysis indicates that they are
members of the same species. These include subgroup A (Shigella dysenteriae), subgroup
B (S. flexneri), subgroup C (S. boydii), and subgroup D (S. sonnei). Members of the
genus Shigella have been recognized since the late 19 th century as causative agents of
bacillary dysentery, or shigellosis. 123
Occupational Infections
Shigellosis is one of the most frequently reported laboratory-acquired infections
in the United States. 131,141 A survey of 397 laboratories in the United Kingdom revealed
that in 1994-1995, four of nine reported laboratory-acquired infections were caused by
Shigella. 142 Experimentally infected guinea pigs, other rodents, and NHP are proven
sources of laboratory-acquired infection. 143,144
Natural Modes of Infection
Humans and other large primates are the only natural reservoirs of Shigella
bacteria. Most transmission is by fecal-oral route; infection also is caused by ingestion of
contaminated food or water. 123 Infection with Shigella dysenteriae type 1 causes more
severe, prolonged, and frequently fatal illness than does infection with other Shigella.
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