In a continuous effort to optimize technical infrastructure and ensure biomedical research safety, the Talaromycosis Medical Research Center (TMRC) organized an intensive training program on “Safety Practices in Negative Pressure Laboratories.” The sessions took place at the Microbiology – Parasitology Unit within the Biomedical Research Center of Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine (PNTU).
The operation of negative pressure laboratories is a key component of TMRC’s strategy to build a working environment that meet the international standards. According to current Vietnamese Ministry of Health regulations (Circular 41/2016/TT-BYT), Talaromyces marneffei is classified as a Risk Group II pathogen. However, international guidelines, specifically from the U.S. CDC/NIH, require Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) when working with the mold form of this agent. This requirement stems from the fungus’s biological characteristics: when cultured at ambient temperature (25°C), it transitions into a filamentous (mold) phase, producing numerous small spores that can easily become aerosolized. To harmonize domestic regulations with the stringent standards of U.S. partners, TMRC has established operating procedures within a negative pressure environment, essentially an “Enhanced Biosafety Level 2” or “BSL-2.5” model.
The negative pressure system, featuring unidirectional airflow and high-efficiency HEPA filters, acts as an enhanced protective barrier. It ensures that even if fungal spores are accidentally released during laboratory procedures, they remain completely isolated and cannot escape into corridors or the external environment. Equipping personnel with the skills to operate in negative pressure environments does more than ensuring compliance with Vietnamese laboratory standards; it aligns TMRC with the highest global healthcare benchmarks. This alignment facilitates international scientific publications and streamlines multi-national collaborations.
The training was structured into two core phases. Phase 1 (Dec 12 – 13, 2025) is led by experts from the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) in collaboration with LABOne Scientific Equipment Co. Participants gained in-depth knowledge of ventilation system principles, differential pressure control, and strict cleanroom entry/exit protocols. Next, phase 2 (Dec 25, 2025) is a hands-on session where the entire TMRC laboratory staff practiced operational maneuvers and conducted emergency response drills on actual equipment. This investment in negative pressure laboratory capacity is a testament to TMRC’s commitment to building a sustainable medical research foundation where human safety is paramount. These efforts not only protect the health of our experts but also guarantee the high reliability of research findings, contributing to the ultimate goal of reducing the disease burden for patients.