Which organization classifies biological agents into risk categories A, B, and C?

Which organization classifies biological agents into risk categories A, B, and C?

• A. WHO
• B. CDC
• C. EPA
• D. FDA

Answer: (B)

Organizing biological agents by risk helps responders know what level of containment and preparedness is needed. The organization that uses the A, B, and C categories for bioterrorism-related agents is the CDC. Category A includes agents with the greatest potential for mass dissemination and severe health impact, requiring the highest level of surveillance, security, and public health readiness. Category B comprises agents that are moderately easy to spread and cause moderate illness, demanding significant but comparatively less stringent precautions. Category C covers emerging threats that could be engineered or naturally evolve to be more dangerous, warranting vigilant surveillance and preparedness for potential future spread. This framework guides biosafety practices, preventive measures, and emergency response planning. Other organizations have different classification schemes or regulatory roles—WHO operates global risk guidance and risk-group classifications, while FDA and EPA focus on regulation and environmental health rather than this U.S. public health risk tier system.

Organizing biological agents by risk helps responders know what level of containment and preparedness is needed. The organization that uses the A, B, and C categories for bioterrorism-related agents is the CDC. Category A includes agents with the greatest potential for mass dissemination and severe health impact, requiring the highest level of surveillance, security, and public health readiness. Category B comprises agents that are moderately easy to spread and cause moderate illness, demanding significant but comparatively less stringent precautions. Category C covers emerging threats that could be engineered or naturally evolve to be more dangerous, warranting vigilant surveillance and preparedness for potential future spread. This framework guides biosafety practices, preventive measures, and emergency response planning. Other organizations have different classification schemes or regulatory roles—WHO operates global risk guidance and risk-group classifications, while FDA and EPA focus on regulation and environmental health rather than this U.S. public health risk tier system.