Práticas de biossegurança em biotério de mosquitos

Abstract

The use of animals in life sciences dates back to ancient Greece and the earliest medical experiments. For centuries, physicians and researchers have utilized animals to enhance their understanding of how various organs and systems in the human body functioned. Living beings share properties and characteristics, and the idea of studying common traits among species to comprehend their functions and interactions underpins the value of comparative medicine. Fundamental discoveries about physiology and pathophysiology have arisen from comparative studies using animals. In this context, vector-borne diseases represent a significant burden on population health. The complexity of vector ecology and the dynamics of disease transmission pose an additional challenge for countries needing to structure their prevention and control programs, with a significant impact on public health. In this context, it is increasingly necessary to intensify entomological studies to guide actions of understanding, prevention, treatment, and control. Considering that biological risk is now a reality and no longer fiction, the daily routine of research laboratories where potentially hazardous organisms are manipulated for individuals and society, we know that routine work, without very well-established standards, can lead to carelessness and consequently become agents of accidents. Therefore, it is necessary to establish physical, administrative, and technical structures compatible with state-of-the-art activities. The key aspects of planning are personal safety, sample protection, accuracy of results, and efficiency in workflow, as well as environmental protection against risks arising from activities performed. And for this, understanding and adaptation of biosafety standards must be ensured, guaranteeing the minimization or elimination of risks for professionals and the community.