NCTC holds a collection of approximately 700 restricted pathogens. These include Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) hazard group three bacteria, animal pathogens, and hazard group two organisms that pose a greater risk to the operator during the manufacturing process. NCTC must abide by the relevant legislation when processing, storing, or shipping these strains.
In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines hazard group three pathogens as those that “can cause severe human disease and may be a serious hazard to employees; it may spread to the community, but there is usually effective prophylaxis or treatment available.”
The restricted NCTC strains are handled in an ACDP Containment Level Three laboratory, which complies with UK regulations in both the design and management of the facility. The laboratory is equipped with engineering control measures to contain pathogens and create a safe working environment, such as microbiological safety cabinets, negative pressure, an autoclave, and full sealablity to allow for fumigation. Staff working in the facility are highly-skilled, performing daily safety checks, completing the required documentation, and diligently handing the pathogens in a safe manner.
Hazard Group Three pathogens in the NCTC Collection include: -
In 2022, NCTC will be continuing the curation of the restricted pathogen collection in the containment level three facility.
Written by Hannah McGregor, January 2022
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