Campylobacter may be safely used in the laboratory at which biosafety level?

Campylobacter is a genus of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal infections in humans, often associated with undercooked poultry or contaminated water. It is classified as a biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) organism in laboratory settings. This classification indicates that while Campylobacter can pose a moderate health risk to personnel, appropriate laboratory practices and safety protocols can mitigate these risks effectively.

At BSL-2, laboratories must implement specific safety measures, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), biosafety cabinets when handling the organisms, and training for personnel regarding proper handling and disposal of biohazardous materials. These safety measures are essential to prevent accidental exposure or environmental release of the bacteria.

While Campylobacter is infectious, it does not require the heightened restrictions or containment measures present in BSL-3 or BSL-4 labs, which are reserved for highly pathogenic organisms that can be spread through the air and typically necessitate more stringent safety procedures. Hence, the choice of BSL-2 accurately reflects the necessary level of safety required for working with Campylobacter in a laboratory environment.