09/11/2023
What activities might lead to exposure to the Sterne strain?
Routine manipulation of the strain in a microbiology laboratory is not likely to result in exposure. Risks to personnel handling this organism are no greater than those posed by other category 2 organisms and activities. Using proper laboratory precautions reduces the risk of percutaneous exposure. Good laboratory practices include the use of appropriate PPE (i.e., gloves, gowns, or laboratory coats) and the use of a biosafety cabinet for procedures with the potential to produce aerosols.5 Eye and face protection (i.e., goggles, masks, or face shields) should be used when splashes or sprays are possible outside of the biosafety cabinet.6
It is probably not possible for humans to acquire a Sterne strain infection by the respiratory or oral route.7 However, in the event of an accident during routine manipulation, there is a slight risk of infection. In a worst case accident scenario, the risk exists when spores make contact with a preexisting wound, or if an injury results in a contaminated wound. Worst case accident scenarios are estimated to result in 3×10-3 chance of percutaneous infection. With the addition of precautions such as good laboratory practices, appropriate glove use, and training for immediate first aid action, the estimated probability of percutaneous infection drops to 3×10-10. Additionally, the chance of an infection becoming severe or fatal can be reduced to less than 10-14 with the use of antimicrobial agents when necessary.7