PROTECTING AGAINST INFECTIOUS DISEASE: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Why is OHSU proposing to build new vaccine research facilities?
A: Following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and subsequent anthrax attacks, the federal government recognized the need for increased vigilance in fighting and protecting against the spread of current and future infectious disease threats. Through the National Institutes of Health, the government issued a request for proposals to construct regional/national research facilities. The purpose of these facilities will be to develop new vaccines to protect the public from infectious diseases spread through natural causes or terrorist activities. In addition, scientists will work to discover new ways to diagnose and treat patients in the advent of an outbreak. One example of an infectious disease threat is the recent surge of West Nile Virus cases. To date, more than 4,000 U.S. residents have been infected, and 263 have died from the virus.

Q: What is a biosafety level 4 lab?
A: A biosafety level 4 (BSL4) lab allows researchers to safely handle small samples of infectious disease microbes for vaccine development or for diagnosis of patients suspected of being infected Specifically, scientists are interested in studying diseases for which there are no treatments or in cases where improved vaccination or treatment methods are needed. Currently the Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute (VGTI) on the West Campus contains biosafety level 3 (BSL3) labs. Biosafety levels are categorized by the number of duplicative layers of safety protection they provide. Hence, a BSL3 lab provides three levels of safety measures. In comparison, BSL4 labs contain an additional layer of safety and meet the most stringent containment standards for research on more threatening microbes. Currently BSL4 labs exist only on the East Coast including labs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. At OHSU, the building would adjoin the VGTI, and contain several state-of-the-art security and health protections to ensure public safety.

Q: Why should these facilities be built in Hillsboro?
A: OHSU's West Campus in Hillsboro is home to several regional and national research resources that would greatly aid in the fight against infectious diseases that threaten public health. For example, the VGTI is a unique, state-of-the-art facility where scientists study infectious disease, the immune system and ways to protect susceptible populations, such as the elderly. In addition, the VGTI building contains OHSU's Gene Microarray Shared Resource. This facility allows researchers to determine which genes are involved or activated by the disease process, and to what level that information can be used to understand disease, and develop and test therapeutics. Additionally, the West Campus is home to one of the nation's eight national primate research centers, another resource that would complement and accentuate the activities of the proposed research facilities.

Q: What are the benefits to the region?
A: Research conducted at these facilities will be aimed at saving lives through the development of vaccines, treatments and diagnostic methods to fight diseases that currently exist in our region or that may threaten the region in the near future. When needed, researchers can quickly tailor their research to focus on diseases that suddenly emerge. The facilities will serve as a regional resource for physicians and researchers dealing with the latest emerging infectious disease agents caused either by non-terrorism or terrorism-linked activities.

If there were a serious disease outbreak in our region today, samples would need to be flown across the country for analysis. The proposed BSL4 research center would allow for this analysis to take place here without delay.

There are also economic benefits. Additional research facilities will be a major boost to the local economy with the creation of hundreds of new jobs (research assistants, technologists, support staff), and the infusion of millions of dollars for construction and operation of the center. The research is also expected to generate spin-off business opportunities, also creating future jobs in Oregon (e.g., commercialization of vaccines developed at the center). This supports the university's Oregon Opportunity initiative to expand health science research and biotech business in the state. In addition, by having a national/regional research resource, Oregon will be well positioned to receive millions of additional grant dollars, and attract the best and brightest scientific minds to the region.

Q: Why specifically should OHSU conduct this research?
A: OHSU faculty have earned an international reputation for their expertise in microbiology, the body's immune system and vaccine research in the university's Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, and the VGTI on the university's West Campus. In addition, OHSU is currently studying infectious diseases that threaten public health using BSL3 labs. The creation of BSL4 labs is a natural progression to the next level of scientific study and adds another level of safety measures. To further amplify research resources, OHSU has formed collaborative agreements with several science institutions along the Pacific Rim and elsewhere to address the rapidly changing health care needs of the nation and the region.

Q: What kinds of infectious disease agents will scientists be working with?
A: Scientists will be handling very small samples of a variety of disease causing microbes that pose current or future threats to human health. West Nile Virus is one example of a disease that is rapidly emerging onto the national health scene and requires vaccine research. Other examples of diseases that threaten public health include influenza, tuberculosis, hantavirus and dengue fever which has made a comeback in the U.S. after a 50 year absence.

Q: Are there any safety concerns for local residents?
A: Construction of the BSL4 and BSL3 buildings involves several duplicative layers of safety and security measures. For instance, BSL4 labs involve a "box within a box" design to protect workers and the public. In addition, the building would meet or exceed safety and security standards set by the National Institutes of Health, and other federal and state agencies. Its important to note that in the history of BSL4 facilities in North America, there has never been a release of any agents being studied.

Q: Where can I obtain more information about this facility?
A: OHSU is planning open and frequent discussions with the community about these proposed research facilities. Communication plans include public meetings, an informational Web site, media briefings and site tours, and a variety of additional opportunities for community interaction.