Table 4 Summary of gaps in biosafety evidence for Rickettsia spp. and Orientia spp
Biosafety knowledge gap | Description of the issue |
|---|---|
Infectious dose | The infectious dose of Rickettsia and Orientia spp. is considered low but has not been determined. |
Classification of risk groups | Debate regarding the risk group classification of O. tsutsugamushi - Blacksell et al. [19] advocated for the reclassification of Orientia spp. to RG2 from RG3 based on the fact that pathogens in RG2 pose a moderate risk to the individual but a low risk to the community. Furthermore, there is effective treatment available. - RG impacts the practical application of risk, and mitigations, including biosafety levels. The application of risk-based biosafety that considers pathogen and the activity being performed rather than a “one size fits all” approach to risk mitigation and control strategies. |
Disinfection & inactivation of Rickettsia and Orientia spp. | Clear and validated evidence for Rickettsia and Orientia spp. disinfection & inactivation is patchy or non-existent - Evidence regarding the inactivation of Rickettsia spp. by irradiation is limited. - No specific evidence, validation or guidance for o heat and irradiation for Orientia spp. have not been determined. o common disinfectants such as ethanol or bleach. o commercial peroxygen disinfectants (i.e., Virkon®, Rescue®, etc.). o effectiveness and optimal conditions for gaseous decontamination of Rickettsia and Orientia spp. |