THE HANDLING OF UNUSUAL PATHOGENS

This article summarizes decontamination problems in handling transmiss ible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) in the field of human pathology . The combination of chemical (i.e. 1 M NaOH, 1 h, room temperature) a nd physical (i.e. autoclaving for 30 min at 131 degrees C) decontamina tion methods was proven to be suitable for instruments and other mater ials. Als for the autopsy of suspected TSE patients, safety measures h ave to be taken. The brain preparation, in particular, represents a co nsiderable risk which must be minimized by appropriate safety measures . Conventional formaldehyde fixation does not decontaminate tissues! E mbedding, cutting, deparaffinization and processing or staining have t o be done with cautions; members of staff must be aware of the danger. After the handling of suspect materials, the hands should be washed w ithout brushing the skin. In the case of percutaneous inoculation the injury must be decontaminated immediately using iodine- or phenol-cont aining preparations, 0.5 M NaOH or 1:3000 potassium permanganate.