21 1 
j 
Mr. Thornton introduced Dr. Vee J. Gill of the Department of Clinical 
Pathology, NIH. Er. Gill said that many genera of the Actinomycetes are 
not pathogenic for man, animals or plants. 
Drs. Gill and Taylor said that experiments to demonstrate exchange among 
Actinomycetes have not been performed to any great extent. Dr. Novick 
said that among the Streptomycetes , genetic exchange, if sought, is usually 
found . 
Dr. Krimsky said that three categories of organisms can be considered: (1) 
those organisms known to be pathogens, (2) those organisms known not to 
be pathogens, and (3) those for which insufficient data exists to deter- 
mine whether they are pathogens or nonpathogens. He suggested that the 
language of the proposal should be restricted to permit P2 containment 
only for known nonpathogens. Dr. Gill said it would be difficult to 
establish a list of nonpathogens; certain organisms might or might not 
be included on the list depending on the definition of pathogenicity. 
She said two Streptcmcyes species, currently included in Appendix E, 
have been reported to cause infections. 
Dr . Krimsky proposed that the motion be amended to read as follows: 
"P2 physical containment shall be used for DNA recombinants produced 
between members of the Actinomycetes group which are known not to be 
pathogenic to man, animals or plants." 
Dr. Brill said he would not accept the amendment. He said hundreds of 
thousands of Actinomycetes soil isolates had been screened in attempts to 
isolate antibiotic producers without any known disease having been caused 
in laboratory workers; past history says that they are safe. Dr. Bems 
asked why P2 containment was being proposed. Dr. Taylor said Actinomycetes 
are generally manipulated under P2 conditions; the organisms grow slowly 
and P2 containment is used to prevent contamination. 
Mr. Thornton called the question on the amended language proposed by 
Dr. Krimsky. By a vote of three in favor, eleven opposed, and three 
abstentions, the RAC turned down the proposed amendment. 
Mr. Thornton then called the vote on the language appearing in the Federal 
Register . By a vote of sixteen in favor, one opposed, and one abstention, 
the RAC adopted the language published in the Federal Register, as follows: 
"P2 physical containment shall be used for DNA recombinants 
produced between members of the Actinomycetes group except 
for those species which are known to be pathogenic for man, 
animals or plants." 
[ 180 ] 
