Strengthening Laboratory Biosafety and Biosecurity in BSL Settings: Biorisk Mitigation Strategies for Emerging Viruses in Limited-Resource Environment

Abstract

The prevalence of emerging viruses has increased in the last twenty years and is expected to rise in the future. Emerging viral diseases are a serious risk to public health globally. Despite increased awareness of safety and containment methods, the risk of Laboratory-acquired infections (LAIs) is increasing steadily as high number of laboratories and scientists are working on emerging viruses for diagnostics and research purposes worldwide. The risk of harm from these viruses can be minimized through the implementation of appropriate bio-risk management policies and practices. Laboratory biosafety is currently a critical global issue in clinical and research labs with the biological harm caused by emerging infectious diseases. Well-trained, knowledgeable, and biohazard-aware laboratory workers, understanding all modes of transmission, and trained on safe laboratory practices and its management are critical parameters in preventing laboratory acquired infection. The review provides a comprehensive analysis of pathogens that fall beyond standard operating procedures. It particularly highlights the existing gaps and limitations in practical approaches for managing emerging pathogenic viruses within biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) facilities, which are commonly used in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). The review suggests that effective biorisk mitigation requires strong safety culture. In addition, this review contributes to building new capacity in diagnostic and research laboratories that routinely handle biological samples involving emerging pathogens. The conclusions emphasize the shared responsibility of government and institutional biosafety committees to ensure the consistent application of appropriate techniques, facilities, and training for the safe handling of these evolving threats, particularly in low-resource settings.