Which virus is considered a select agent?

Which virus is considered a select agent?

• A. SARS-CoV-2
• B. SARS-CoV
• C. MERS-CoV
• D. Rabies

Answer: (B)

Select agents are a tightly regulated group of biological agents and toxins that pose the most serious threats to public health and national security. Because of their potential for severe disease, limited dissemination in the real world, and the risk of misuse, handling, storage, and transfer require heightened security, registration, background checks, incident reporting, and strict inventory controls. Historically, the SARS coronavirus has been designated as a select agent, reflecting the concern about its high virulence and potential for significant outbreaks. That regulatory status is what this item tests—recognizing that among the listed viruses, SARS-CoV has been treated with this elevated level of oversight. The other viruses listed do not carry the same select-agent designation in usual regulatory frameworks, so they aren’t categorized under the same stringent controls. Remember that regulatory designations can change, so current lists should be consulted for up-to-date status.

Select agents are a tightly regulated group of biological agents and toxins that pose the most serious threats to public health and national security. Because of their potential for severe disease, limited dissemination in the real world, and the risk of misuse, handling, storage, and transfer require heightened security, registration, background checks, incident reporting, and strict inventory controls.

Historically, the SARS coronavirus has been designated as a select agent, reflecting the concern about its high virulence and potential for significant outbreaks. That regulatory status is what this item tests—recognizing that among the listed viruses, SARS-CoV has been treated with this elevated level of oversight. The other viruses listed do not carry the same select-agent designation in usual regulatory frameworks, so they aren’t categorized under the same stringent controls. Remember that regulatory designations can change, so current lists should be consulted for up-to-date status.