Risk group

Risk group refers to the classification of biological agents based on their level of risk to human health and the environment. The classification is done by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health regulatory bodies. Risk groups range from Risk Group 1 (RG1) to Risk Group 4 (RG4), with RG1 being the least risky and RG4 being the most risky.

Classification

Risk Group 1 (RG1)

RG1 includes biological agents that are unlikely to cause human or animal disease. These agents pose a minimal potential hazard to laboratory personnel and the environment.

Risk Group 2 (RG2)

RG2 includes biological agents that can cause human or animal disease, but are unlikely to be a serious hazard to laboratory personnel, the community, livestock, or the environment. Laboratory exposures may cause serious infection, but effective treatment and preventive measures are available and the risk of spread is limited.

Risk Group 3 (RG3)

RG3 includes biological agents that usually cause serious human or animal disease but do not ordinarily spread from one infected individual to another. Effective treatment and preventive measures are available.

Risk Group 4 (RG4)

RG4 includes biological agents that usually cause serious human or animal disease and can be readily transmitted from one individual to another, or from animal to human or vice-versa. Effective treatments and preventive measures are not usually available.

See also

• Biosafety level
• Pathogen
• Infectious disease

References

Risk group Resources
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