WHO list of priority pathogens to be taken into account in risk assessment

WHO list of priority pathogens to be taken into account in risk assessment

The World Health Organization WHO has updated its list of bacterial pathogens that cause acute infections resistant to antibiotics and therefore require special attention worldwide. The list includes 15 families of bacteria classified into three priority categories.

Operators should take the WHO list into account in their own risk assessment and risk management measures if they genetically modify these bacteria. Under the gene technology regulations, the contained use of such genetically modified organisms belongs to at least class 2.