A new risk of occupational disease: allergic asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis in persons working with beneficial arthropods

High Prevalence of Sensitization to Mites and Insects in Greenhouses Using Biologic Pest Control

BACKGROUND

Mites and insects are widely used as biologic pest control in greenhouses. A few studies have reported sensitization to mites among greenhouse workers, but the prevalence of sensitization to pest control insects is not known.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the prevalence of IgE-mediated sensitization to pests and their control organisms in the population of exposed greenhouse workers and the relationship between sensitization and allergic symptoms.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, we interviewed 117 tomato and cucumber greenhouse workers from eight companies that use biologic pest control. Sensitization to nine organisms was assessed by serum-specific IgE measurement. We also measured fractional exhaled nitric oxide.

RESULTS

The prevalence of specific sensitization to pests and pest control organisms was 50%; to mites, 29%; and to insects, 46%. Of the individual species, Macrolophus pygmaeus insect sensitization had the highest prevalence (46%). Asthma symptoms were significantly associated with sensitization to pest and pest control organisms (odds ratio [OR] = 3.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-12.5) and with a fractional exhaled nitric oxide level of 25 ppb or greater (OR = 4.8; 95% CI, 1.7-13.8), indicating eosinophilic airway inflammation. Southeast Asian origin was significantly associated with sensitization (OR = 5.1; 95% CI, 2.1-12.1) and rhinitis (OR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2-6.3).

CONCLUSIONS

Tomato and cucumber greenhouse workers were commonly sensitized to predatory insect M pygmaeus and pest control mites. Our findings stress the importance of surveilling and preventing work-related allergic diseases among greenhouse workers.

The risky business of being an entomologist: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Adverse work-related health outcomes are a significant problem worldwide. Entomologists, including arthropod breeders, are a unique occupational group exposed to potentially harmful arthropods, pesticides, and other more generic hazards. These exposures may place them at risk of a range of adverse work-related health outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To determine what adverse work-related health outcomes entomologists have experienced, the incidence/prevalence of these outcomes, and what occupational management strategies have been employed by entomologists, and their effectiveness.

METHODS

A systematic search of eight databases was undertaken to identify studies informing the review objectives. Data pertaining to country, year, design, work-exposure, adverse work-related health outcomes, incidence/prevalence of these outcomes, and occupational management strategies were extracted, and reported descriptively.

DISCUSSION

Results showed entomologists experienced work-related allergies, venom reactions, infections, infestations and delusional parasitosis. These related to exposure to insects, arachnids, chilopods and entognathans, and non-arthropod exposures, e.g. arthropod feed. Few studies reported the incidence/prevalence of such conditions, or work-related management strategies utilised by entomologists. There were no studies that specifically investigated the effectiveness of potential management strategies for entomologists as a population. Indeed, critical appraisal analysis indicated poor research quality in this area, which is a significant research gap.

CONCLUSIONS

Entomologists are a diverse, unique occupational group, at risk of a range of adverse work-related health outcomes. This study represents the first systematic review of their work-related health risks. Future studies investigating the prevalence of adverse work-related health outcomes for entomologists, and the effectiveness of management strategies are warranted to decrease the disease burden of this otherwise understudied group.