On 13 March 2026, an open lecture on the topic \u201cThe impact of pathogenic biological agents on the ecosystem in industrial settings: risk assessment and biosafety measures\u201d was held in the \u201cAcademics\u2019 Hall\u201d. The event, organised by the School of Pharmacy at the S.D. Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, was attended by undergraduates, postgraduates, doctoral students and academic staff. The lecture was delivered by Marat Kamytbekovich Suleimenov, Candidate of Biological Sciences and Associate Professor (without academic rank) at the Department of Biotechnology and General Chemical Technology.<\/p>\n
The event was held as part of the implementation of the principles of sustainable development and the Sustainable Development Goals, and was aimed at equipping students on the \u2018Pharmacy\u2019 and \u2018Pharmaceutical Production Technology\u2019 programmes with knowledge regarding the impact of pathogenic biological agents on the ecosystem, risk assessment methods, and measures to ensure biological safety in production environments.<\/p>\n
Pathogenic biological agents (PBAs) are microorganisms and biological structures capable of causing disease in humans, animals or plants. These include: bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, helminths and toxins of biological origin.<\/p>\n
Pathogenic biological agents pose a serious threat to ecosystems and human health if they spread uncontrollably in industrial settings. An effective risk assessment system and strict biosafety measures make it possible to minimise environmental impact and prevent ecological and epidemiological consequences.<\/p>\n
In industrial settings, PBAs may arise or be used in the following sectors:<\/p>\n
The main routes by which PBAs enter the environment:<\/p>\n
The impact of pathogenic biological agents can affect the ecosystem in industrial settings. It is important for a company to protect its manufactured products, staff and the environment from contamination by pathogenic biological agents.<\/p>\n
To this end, biological risk assessments are carried out and measures are taken to ensure biosafety in the workplace.<\/p>\n
The risk assessment consists of three stages:<\/p>\n
The biosafety system is designed to prevent the release of PBAs and minimise risks. It includes:<\/p>\n
Participants listened with interest to the lecture and discussed issues relating to biosafety at pharmaceutical companies.<\/p>\n\n\t\t