Most common pathogens in non-exposure incidents

Under the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act and Human Pathogens and Toxins Regulations, Laboratory Incident Notification Canada gathers information from licensed facilities on exposure and non-exposure incidents and the human pathogens and toxins involved.

Between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2024, a total of 500 pathogens and toxins (representing 56 unique species) were reported to Laboratory Incident Notification Canada through mandatory non-exposure incident reports.

While the types of pathogens and toxins involved varied slightly over time, bacteria were the most common (n=322; 64.4%), followed by fungi (n=154; 30.8%).

Almost all the implicated pathogens were classified as Risk Group 3 (n=458; 91.6%) and Risk Group 2 (n=34; 6.8%)

A total of 88 (17.6%) security sensitive biological agents were also implicated from 2016 to 2024.

The top three pathogens were:

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis (n=258; 51.6%)
•    Microbiology isolation was usually the main activity being performed (n=237; 91.9%)
•    Mostly in the hospital sector (n=252; 97.7%)
• Blastomyces dermatitidis (n=65; 13.0%)
•    Microbiology isolation was usually the main activity being performed (n=35; 53.9%) followed by microbiology identification (n=30; 46.2%)
•    Mostly in the hospital sector (n=63; 96.9%)
• Coccidioides immitis (n=46; 9.2%)
•    Is a security sensitive biological agent
•    Microbiology isolation was usually the main activity being performed (n=30; 65.2%)
•    Mostly in the Public Health – Government sector (n=24; 52.2%) followed by hospital sector (n=17; 37.0%)

These pathogens were mostly reported due to inadvertent possession or inadvertent production and were identified in diagnostic specimens in containment level 2 facilities.

To minimize the risk of exposure due to inadvertent possession or production of a Risk Group 2 or Risk Group 3 pathogen from a primary sample, it is important to take precautions such as:

• working within a biological safety cabinet where it has been deemed appropriate
• wearing appropriate personal protective equipment
• following proper specimen handling procedures

Regular biosafety training and awareness of inadvertent possession risks are also essential. Strengthening internal reporting systems and conducting routine audits can also help identify and address procedural gaps before they lead to incidents.

You can explore additional biosafety and biosecurity resources on the PHAC Training Portal or review Laboratory Incident Notification Canada’s Overview of reports, 2016-2022 for more insight on non-exposure incidents.

Failure to meet your reporting obligations is an offence under the Human Pathogens and Toxins Act and may result in further enforcement action, including notices of non-compliance, an increase in inspection frequency, or changes to the conditions of a licence, depending on the severity of the contravention.