SAFE BIOTECHNOLOGY .6. SAFETY ASSESSMENT, IN RESPECT OF HUMAN HEALTH,OF MICROORGANISMS USED IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

The assessment of microorganisms in respect to human health is an impo rtant step for the introduction of new natural and genetically modifie d production strains to biotechnology. This report outlines the potent ial hazards posed by industrial microorganisms, important consideratio ns related to pathogenicity, such as routes and portals of entry into the human body, mechanisms of spread of biological material and a defi nition of pathogenicity. Furthermore the most important steps in the a ssessment of pathogenicity of unknown strains are described. A short o verview on characterization and in vitro and in vivo tests is presente d. The hazard related to allergens and toxic metabolites is reviewed a nd the choice of methods and the handling of strains with unknown pote ntial are discussed.