According to CDC criteria, which factor is considered when determining a Select Agent?

According to CDC criteria, which factor is considered when determining a Select Agent?

• A. The geographic origin of the agent
• B. The effect on human health of exposure
• C. Color and odor of the agent
• D. Economic impact alone

Answer: (B)

The key idea is risk to public health from human exposure. CDC designations focus on how harmful exposure to an agent would be to people—the severity of disease it can cause, how easily it could spread, and the potential burden on healthcare systems. That direct impact on human health is what drives whether an agent is classified as a Select Agent. Factors like where the agent comes from, its color or odor, or economic impact on its own don’t measure this health risk, so they aren’t used to determine the designation.

The key idea is risk to public health from human exposure. CDC designations focus on how harmful exposure to an agent would be to people—the severity of disease it can cause, how easily it could spread, and the potential burden on healthcare systems. That direct impact on human health is what drives whether an agent is classified as a Select Agent. Factors like where the agent comes from, its color or odor, or economic impact on its own don’t measure this health risk, so they aren’t used to determine the designation.