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Tomo - strains of P aeruginosa have been the classical biofilm 
organisms for roughly 20 years and have been used without incident 
under the most simple standard microbiological procedures.  No 
serious handling procedures are required.  However, in many countries 
these bacteria are restricted because they are opportunistic 
pathogens that can result in everything from skin infections to 
cystic fibrosis infections.  They are not inherently hazardous except 
to those with highly weakened immune systems or to those who spray 
them all over cuts and mucous membranes; I feel your user's opinion 
is basically correct.  I would caution that a possibility of cross 
contamination with other bacterial cultures or eukaryotic tissue 
cultures exists, but I would bet that no culturing takes place in the 
immediate area around your microscope.  You may however find that 
your institution applies restrictions because the bacteria are 
labeled as pathogens.  We work with common oral bacteria such as 
streptococci and actinomyces, some of which are also labeled as 
pathogens in the US.  Where do these bacteria come from?  Every time 
you cough or sneeze or kiss, you can find them.  In my opinion, the 
entire concept of restrictions for such bacteria is nonsense - Pa 
falls into that category for me.


>Search the CONFOCAL archive at
>http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal
>
>Hi! All,
>
>We have one user who wants to set up the flow cell to image live
>pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm using our confocal microscope (multi-user
>confocal microscope open for our university community).
>
>This user said that p.aeruginosa is not so dangerous as long as we are
>careful and clean them up after its use.  I want to get a biosafety
>officer involved before we do anything.
>
>If you can share your experience on biosafety regarding live pathogen in
>your confocal room, I really appreciate it.
>
>Many thanks!
>
>Tomo Kawaguchi
>
>
>


-- 
Robert J. Palmer Jr., Ph.D.
Natl Inst Dental Craniofacial Res - Natl Insts Health
Oral Infection and Immunity Branch
Bldg 30, Room 310
30 Convent Drive
Bethesda MD 20892
ph 301-594-0025
fax 301-402-0396