5 
Dr. Nightingale noted that to date, 10% of the IBCs polled have responded. This 
is not a good response rate, however most of the responses are supportive of the 
current Guidelines. She suggested if major problems had existed the response 
rate would probably have been higher as people generally do not write if they 
are satisfied. 
Dr. Nightingale noted that some of the responses offered suggestions. These 
included: 
o that a condensed, one or two page guide to the guidelines 
be made available; 
o that ORDA ccmmunicate the basis for decisions; 
o that the language of Section III-B-4-a be clarified; and 
o that Appendix B be clarified. 
Dr. Nightingale suggested that a condensed version of the Guidelines might be 
a good idea as principal investigators (Pis) new to the field must be educated 
in the Guidelines. Dr. Gottesman suggested this condensation might be either 
a table or statements indicating which portions of the Guidelines pertain to 
work with particular organisms. She thought both types of condensations might 
be reasonable. 
Listing of Oncogenic Viruses in Appendix B. 
Dr. Gartland called the group's attention to the listing of low and moderate 
risk viruses in Sections Appendix B-II-A and B-II-B. He noted that these viruses 
are not classified with a particular risk specification as are other agents in 
the Appendix. Tb further confuse matters, these viruses are listed between 
Class 4 and Class 5 agents. Dr. Martin said the National Cancer Institute 
(NCI) listing on which Appendices B-II-A and B-II-B are based is out-of-date. 
Dr. Gottesman noted that these viruses are not referred to in Section III of 
the Guidelines; Section III-B specifies containment for Class 2, 3, 4, or 5 
agents while making no reference to low or moderate risk viruses. Dr. Nightingale 
suggested the working group recommend that the "Classification of Microorganisms 
Working Group" evaluate this issue. She asked if the composition of the Classi- 
fication Working Group was adequate to evaluate the issue. The Working Group 
on Revision of the Guidelines agreed that several virologists should be appointed 
to the Classification Working Group. Dr. Tolin asked if Sections B-II-A and 
B-II-B in Appendix B might be deleted. Dr. Martin thought each virus in Section 
B-II-A and B-II-B should be individually evaluated. He noted that while some 
of the viruses might be safely handled at PI physical containment, others such 
as HV ateles and HV saimiri should be handled under P3 or P4 containment 
conditions as they are known oncogenic viruses for higher primates. 
T72] 
