Entomological Laboratory

 

UNDER COSTRUCTION

 

The Biosafety Level 3 (BL3) Laboratory ofthe Medical and VeterinaryEntomology Dept. at the C.A.A. G. Nicoli was designed in accordance with guidelines of the Italian Ministry of Health.

This facility has special engineering and containment features that allow investigators to work safely with known or possible human pathogens classified at level 3 (Allegato XII, 626/94) transmitted by mosquitoes, that have high risks for the lab personnel but low risks for the community.

Entry to the BL-3 Laboratory is restricted to individuals who have obtained prior approval. The Lab is equipped with three climate chambers that allow to control essential parameters (temperature, humidity and lighting) for mosquitoes rearing such as Culex pipiens molestus (Common Mosquito) and Aedes albopictus (Tiger Mosquito). The mosquitoes rearing includes all the stages of the biological cycle (egg-larva- pupa-adult) and no alive animals are used for the blood feeding. Before going outside, the air inside the lab passes through a filter in order to prevent the accidentally exit of mosquitoes.

 

Laboratory Equipment and Scientific Instruments

The devices used to assist in experimentation, research, or other laboratory activities are:

• Biological safety extractor hood (Horizontal laminar flow bench)
• Autoclave
• Electric balance (0,001/0,01 g precision)