Biologically engineered bacteria can improve laboratory teaching biosafety

Abstract

Laboratory classes are an essential and attractive part of studying medical microbiology. Unlike other courses, such as anatomy and physiology, medical microbiology laboratory classes involve living microorganisms, most of which must be handled in a laboratory of at least Biosafety Level II; such work carries potential risks. Therefore, undergraduate laboratory classes commonly adopt mitigation measures, including safety education, teacher supervision and constructing high biosafety level laboratories. However, these measures do not completely eliminate risk; laboratory-acquired infections, and even deaths, are reported every year. Furthermore, many schools in developing countries lack the resources to provide high-level biosafety laboratories and virtual equipment, in addition to having a low student–teacher ratio. Therefore, relevant experimental content may be omitted or replaced with low-quality substitutes, such as plastic specimens and images, which may hinder teaching. Nevertheless, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical staff must become highly knowledgeable about pathogenic microorganisms, including through laboratory work.