Chapter 28.1, Problem 1CR

Summary Introduction

Laboratory-associated infections (LAIs) are also known as laboratory-acquired infections or occupational illness. LAIs may arise in clinical laboratories, animal facilities, and also in production installations. LAIs are of community health concern, as an infected worker may transmit the infection to his relatives, colleagues, and family members. In the United States (U.S) about 500,000 laboratory workers are at risk of exposure to contagious agents, which may cause diseases that vary from mild to life-threatening infections.