The Lanzhou Brucella Leak: The Largest Laboratory Accident in the History of Infectious Diseases?

An inadequacy in sanitizing processes in a biopharmaceutical plant in Lanzhou, China, during July and August 2019, led to the aerosolization of Brucella that was subsequently spread through wind to nearby settlements and academic institutes, resulting in > 10000 human brucellosis cases, as of November 2020. The leak, possibly the largest laboratory accident in the history of infectious diseases, underlines the particular characteristics of Brucella that have made the pathogen a historical entity in biodefense research and a major cause of laboratory-associated infections. It further underlines the need for enhanced vigilance and strict regulatory interventions in similar facilities.

Automated summary

Inadequate sanitizing processes in a biopharmaceutical plant in Lanzhou, China, led to the aerosolization of Brucella and subsequent spread to nearby settlements, resulting in a large outbreak of brucellosis cases. This incident highlights the unique characteristics of Brucella and the need for enhanced regulatory interventions in similar facilities.