The Biosafety Research Road Map: The Search for Evidence to Support Practices in the Laboratory-Foot and Mouth Disease Virus

Introduction

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious infection of cloven-hoofed animals. The Biosafety Research Road Map reviewed scientific literature regarding the foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV). This project aims to identify gaps in the data required to conduct evidence-based biorisk assessments, as described by Blacksell et al., and strengthen control measures appropriate for local and national laboratories.

Methods

A literature search was conducted to identify potential gaps in biosafety and focused on five main sections: the route of inoculation/modes of transmission, infectious dose, laboratory-acquired infections, containment releases, and disinfection and decontamination strategies.

Results

The available data regarding biosafety knowledge gaps and existing evidence have been collated. Some gaps include the need for more scientific data that identify the specific safety contribution of engineering controls, support requirements for showering out after in vitro laboratory work, and whether a 3- to 5-day quarantine period should be applied to individuals conducting in vitro versus in vivo work. Addressing these gaps will contribute to the remediation and improvement of biosafety and biosecurity systems when working with FMDV.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to Hydrogen Peroxide Fumigation, Part 1: Introduction to Hydrogen Peroxide Fumigation

Introduction

When working with pathogens in laboratories, animal or production facilities, and even hospitals, the potential need for room fumigation for decontamination purposes must be taken into consideration. Questions regarding the choice of fumigant, technical aspects of the room, its ventilation, the fumigation system to be used, and other issues will arise and will have to be addressed.

Methods

This article is based on literature searches and was compiled using the authors' long-time personal experience in room and filter fumigation using various fumigation systems.

Results

The article can be used as a guide to establish an effective fumigation system in a laboratory or an animal facility setting and may be adapted for use in hospitals. Different systems for hydrogen peroxide fumigation on the market are presented. Also, technical aspects are discussed.

Discussion

Hydrogen peroxide is used in various forms for fumigation of rooms, equipment, and filters. Regardless of the individual limitations of these forms, hydrogen peroxide is a versatile fumigation method. However, it is important to consider numerous technical requirements when planning to implement hydrogen peroxide fumigation at an institution.

Conclusions

Subsequent to the present overview of different fumigation systems based on hydrogen peroxide on the market and their technical requirements, part 2 of this article will focus on validation and verification of hydrogen peroxide fumigation while considering the entire fumigation process. The two parts together will serve users as a guide to establishing hydrogen peroxide fumigations at their facilities.

Comparing the Efficacy of Formaldehyde with Hydrogen Peroxide Fumigation on Infectious Bronchitis Virus

BACKGROUND

The recent reclassification of formaldehyde as a presumed carcinogen prompted the investigation into the comparative efficacy of hydrogen peroxide as a fumigant in microbiological safety cabinets.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the study was to quantify the biocidal efficacy of formaldehyde fumigation, including variables such as exposure time and concentration, and then to compare this to the biocidal efficacy achieved from a hydrogen peroxide vapor fumigation system. The study also investigated the ability of both fumigants to permeate the microbiological safety cabinet (MBSC), including the workspace, under the work tray, and after the HEPA filters. Furthermore, the effect of organic soiling on efficacy was also assessed. Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) was used as the biological target to develop this study model.

METHODS

A model using IBV was developed to determine the efficacy of formaldehyde and hydrogen peroxide as fumigants. Virus was dried on stainless steel discs, and variables including concentration, time, protein soiling, and location within an MBSC were assessed.

RESULTS

It was demonstrated that formaldehyde fumigation could achieve a 6-log reduction in the titer of the virus throughout the cabinet, and high protein soiling in the presentation did not affect efficacy. Appropriate cycle parameters for the hydrogen peroxide system were developed, and when challenged with IBV, it was shown that vaporized hydrogen peroxide could achieve an equal 6-log titer reduction as formaldehyde within the cabinet workspace and overcome the presence of soiling.

CONCLUSION

Hydrogen peroxide was demonstrated to be a viable alternative to formaldehyde under most situations tested. However, the hydrogen peroxide system did not achieve an equal titer reduction above the cabinet's first HEPA filter using the cabinet workspace cycle, and further optimization of the hydrogen peroxide cycle parameters, including pulsing of the cabinet fans, may be required to achieve this.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Hydrogen Peroxide Fumigation, Part 2: Verifying and Validating Hydrogen Peroxide Fumigation Cycles

Introduction:

Part 1 of this two-part series describes the use of hydrogen peroxide as a fumigant and compares it with other fumigants on the market. Technical requirements are outlined while considering physical and biological limitations of the system. This second part focuses primarily on the use of process controls to verify and validate hydrogen peroxide fumigations. Finally, a model encompassing the entire fumigation process is presented.

Methods:

Part 2 of the series focuses on the authors’ long-time personal experiences in room and filter fumigation using various fumigation systems and is supplemented with relevant literature searches.

Results:

The reader is introduced to the planning and implementation of fumigation process validations. Biological indicators help users develop safe and efficient processes. Chemical indicators can be used as process controls, while measuring physical parameters will help avoid condensation of hydrogen peroxide. How many biological and chemical indicators and what type should be applied for cycle development are additionally explained.

Discussion:

It is important to consider numerous technical requirements when planning to implement hydrogen peroxide fumigation at an institution. Also, considerable thought needs to go into the verification and validation of the fumigation process.

Conclusions:

Part 1 of this series presents an overview of different fumigation systems based on hydrogen peroxide on the market and their technical requirements. Part 2 focuses on validation and verification of hydrogen peroxide fumigation while considering the entire fumigation process. The two parts together will serve users as a guide to establishing hydrogen peroxide fumigations at their facilities.

Case Study: Room Fumigation Using Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide-A Versatile and Economic Fumigation Method

Introduction

Formaldehyde is still the method of choice for fumigation of rooms and HEPA filters at high- and maximum-containment facilities because of its proven track record and low cost. However, formaldehyde has been shown to be carcinogenic and should ideally be replaced by other, less hazardous methods. This change has in part been hampered by the relatively high cost of alternative methods.

Methods

Here, we provide examples of room fumigations using aerosolized hydrogen peroxide showing not only that it can be used economically but also that it is a versatile method and may be used under circumstances not normally suited for fumigation.

Results and Discussion

Four examples of fumigation setups are presented that illustrate the versatility, ease of use, and adaptability of aerosolized hydrogen peroxide as a fumigant. In addition, we demonstrate that aerosolized hydrogen peroxide passes through HEPA filters in biological safety cabinets and individually ventilated cage racks.

Conclusions

Considering that the fumigation method presented here is simple and highly effective, we expect it to serve as a relatively cost-effective alternative to formaldehyde fumigation for disinfecting potentially contaminated rooms and surfaces.