S3 laboratories for infection research
Infectious agents are classified into four risk groups and assigned to a biological safety level. The safety level specifies requirements for facilities, personal protective equipment, disinfection and decontamination measures, as well as work procedures that must always be followed when handling these agents. This ensures safe handling of infectious agents without endangering the health of the public or employees. Infectious agents of safety level 3 can cause severe diseases in humans and pose a risk to employees if not handled properly. Typically, effective methods for treating and preventing infection are available for agents at this safety level. For example, SARS-CoV-2, which can lead to severe respiratory illness in humans, is classified as a safety level 3 agent.
For comprehensive research on safety level 3 infectious agents, the DPZ has access to an animal testing unit in addition to a cell culture laboratory.
