What Happened?

Using the Biosafety Cabinet in the vivarium's procedure room, a researcher was sedating mice that had been previously injected with a patient isolate of coxsackie B virus. Each mouse was fitted with a nose cone, and the researcher collected stool and blood samples while explaining the procedure to a student. As the researcher prepared to sedate the next mouse, the mouse bit the researcher's index finger. The researcher was wearing a single pair of gloves, a disposable gown, a hair net, a surgical mask, and shoe covers. After being bitten, the researcher removed the glove and replaced it with a new glove. They completed the experiment and then washed their hands. The researcher stated that about 40 minutes to 1 hour had elapsed between the bite and his handwashing. The researcher did not seek medical attention until the following day. 

What Was The Cause?

Distraction while performing the task contributed to this accident.

What Corrective Actions Were Taken?

• The researcher was asked to generate an SOP for handling animals infected with coxsackie B virus, including PPE, emergency, and incident response procedures. The SOP was provided to all lab members for review and used to train new personnel.
• The researcher was advised to consider double gloving when performing procedures on mice.
• The researcher was also instructed to stop immediately, wash the infected area for at least 15 min, and seek medical attention.

How Can Incidents Like This Be Prevented?

• Perform training procedures on non-infected mice; procedures on infected mice should be done with no/minimal talking to minimize distraction.

Resources

• Coxsackie B virus pathogen SDS
• Group B Coxsackie Virus