The majority of laboratory-acquired infections are associated with what?

The majority of laboratory-acquired infections are associated with what?

• A. Infectious aerosols
• B. Contamination of abraded skin
• C. Puncture wounds
• D. Person-to-person transmission

Answer: (A)

Inhalation of infectious aerosols is the main route by which laboratory-acquired infections occur. During common lab tasks—centrifugation, vortexing, pipetting, and opening culture tubes—tiny droplets can become aerosolized and linger in the air, allowing pathogens to be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause disease. While skin contact, puncture injuries, or direct person-to-person transmission can lead to infections, they are far less frequent routes in typical lab settings, making aerosols the predominant exposure pathway.

Inhalation of infectious aerosols is the main route by which laboratory-acquired infections occur. During common lab tasks—centrifugation, vortexing, pipetting, and opening culture tubes—tiny droplets can become aerosolized and linger in the air, allowing pathogens to be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause disease. While skin contact, puncture injuries, or direct person-to-person transmission can lead to infections, they are far less frequent routes in typical lab settings, making aerosols the predominant exposure pathway.