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Lee HJ, Park EK, Kim HK, Choi GS. Prevalence of allergic symptoms and occupational allergic diseases among veterinary clinic workers. ALLERGY ASTHMA & RESPIRATORY DISEASE 2020. [DOI: 10.4168/aard.2020.8.4.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hu-Jang Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Eun-Kee Park
- Institute of Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Korea
| | - Hee-Kyoo Kim
- Department of Medical Humanities and Social Medicine, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - Gil-Soon Choi
- Department of Medical Humanities and Social Medicine, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
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Lee SM. Occupational allergy in veterinary clinic workers. ALLERGY ASTHMA & RESPIRATORY DISEASE 2020. [DOI: 10.4168/aard.2020.8.4.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Min Lee
- Division of Pulmonology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
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Tafuro F, Selis L, Goldoni M, Stendardo M, Mozzoni P, Ridolo E, Boschetto P, Corradi M. Biomarkers of respiratory allergy in laboratory animal care workers: an observational study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2018; 91:735-744. [PMID: 29858653 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-018-1321-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Laboratory animal allergy is a highly prevalent occupational disease among exposed workers. The aim of the study was to validate the biomarkers of airway inflammation in laboratory animal (LA) care workers. METHODS All of the participants in this observational study (63 LA care workers and 64 controls) were administered a clinical questionnaire, underwent spirometry and a skin prick or radioallergosorbent test for common and occupational aeroallergens, and the fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO50), exhaled breath condensate hydrogen peroxide (EBC H2O2) and serum pneumoprotein levels were measured. Multivariate analysis (ANCOVA) was used to assess the interactions of the variables. RESULTS FeNO50 levels correlated with exposure (p = 0.002), sensitisation (p = 0.000) and age (p = 0.001), but there was no interaction between exposure and sensitisation when age was considered in the model (p = 0.146). EBC-H2O2 levels were higher in the sensitised workers than in the sensitised controls [0.14 (0.08-0.29) µM vs 0.07 (0.05-0.12) µM; p < 0.05]. Serum surfactant protein A (SP-A) levels were unaffected by exposure, sensitisation or age, although higher levels were observed in symptomatic workers; however, SP-D levels were influenced by exposure (p = 0.024) and age (p = 0.022), and club cell 16 levels were influenced by sensitisation (p = 0.027) and age (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS The presence of the clinical symptoms associated with LA exposure and high FeNO levels should prompt further medical assessments in LA workers. Although EBC-H2O2 levels do not seem to reflect eosinophilic inflammation, serum SP-A levels could be used to monitor progression from rhinitis to asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Tafuro
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Luisella Selis
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Matteo Goldoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Paola Mozzoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Erminia Ridolo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Piera Boschetto
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Massimo Corradi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy. .,Unit of Occupational Medicine, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43123, Parma, Italy.
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Balogun RA, Siracusa A, Shusterman D. Occupational rhinitis and occupational asthma: Association or progression? Am J Ind Med 2018; 61:293-307. [PMID: 29411403 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational asthma is the most frequently reported occupational respiratory disease in registries, and is often co-diagnosed with occupational rhinitis. We undertook a systematic review of the English-language epidemiologic literature linking these two conditions, with emphasis on progression from occupational rhinitis to occupational asthma. METHODS PubMed and Embase were queried in a series of structured searches designed to identify studies comparing occupational asthma and occupational rhinitis incidence or prevalence in occupationally exposed individuals. RESULTS The searches yielded a total of 109 unique citations, 15 of which yielded inferential data on the occupational rhinitis-asthma relationship. Nine of fifteen studies showed statistically significant associations between the occurrence of occupational rhinitis and occupational asthma among individual workers. CONCLUSIONS Limited data support the notion that occupational rhinitis precedes the development of occupational asthma, particularly when high-molecular-weight (HMW) agents are involved. The relationship between the two conditions could not be evaluated in many relevant studies due to a lack of cross-tabulation of individual cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahmat A. Balogun
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; University of California; San Francisco California
| | | | - Dennis Shusterman
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; University of California; San Francisco California
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Park HS, Shim J, Cho EY, Myoung C, Lee S, Kwon YJ, Lee SM, Park JW, Jeong SH, Lee SP. Sensitization to animal allergens and allergic symptoms during exposure to them in Korean veterinary researchers. ALLERGY ASTHMA & RESPIRATORY DISEASE 2016. [DOI: 10.4168/aard.2016.4.6.406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Suk Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jungwoo Shim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Eun Yeong Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Chana Myoung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sojung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Young Jae Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sang Min Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jeong-Woong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sang Pyo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
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[New pets, allergens and allergic dermatitis]. Ann Dermatol Venereol 2014; 141:581-7. [PMID: 25288060 DOI: 10.1016/j.annder.2014.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Revised: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The number of household pets increased greatly during the twentieth century, with the numbers of new pets (NP, i.e. any pet other than cats and dogs) rising especially sharply over the last decade. Contact with such animals, whose owners do not always know how to look after them properly, expose the population to new risks such as trauma, infection and allergy. While the most common allergies are respiratory, allergic skin reactions, both immediate and delayed, may also result from contact with these new allergens. The animal itself or its environment may be the cause. Herein, we review NPs and reports of allergic dermatitis associated with them.
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Yilmaz I, Oner Erkekol F, Secil D, Misirligil Z, Mungan D. Cat and dog sensitization in pet shop workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2013; 63:563-7. [PMID: 24174631 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqt116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensitivity and symptoms related to animal proteins have been investigated in various occupational groups. However, data from pet shops are limited. AIMS To investigate rates of sensitivity to cats and dogs among pet shop workers, to assess the relationship between sensitivity, allergen levels and symptoms and to investigate whether passive transport from pet shops to homes is possible. METHODS Pet shop workers underwent interviews with a questionnaire adapted from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey. Dust samples for allergen detection were collected from pet shops using a vacuum cleaner. Skin tests were performed with common allergens. Dust samples were also obtained from the houses of 7 workers and 12 control subjects. RESULTS Fifty-one workers from 20 pet shops were included in the study. Thirteen (25%) workers reported work-related symptoms. Four workers had sensitivity to animal allergens. The mean cat/dog allergen levels from pet shops were 15.7 and 3.2 µg/g, respectively. There was no significant relationship between cat/dog allergen levels and work-related symptoms and sensitivity to pets. None of the dust samples collected from the homes of pet shop workers contained cat allergens. Dog allergen was detected in only one house (0.58 µg/g). Neither cat nor dog allergens were found in the homes of the 12 control subjects. CONCLUSIONS Although a quarter of pet shop workers reported work-related symptoms, sensitivity to cat and dog was low. These findings suggest that work-related symptoms may be due to other factors than cat and dog sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Yilmaz
- Department of Chest Diseases, Division of Immunology and Allergy, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara 06100, Turkey
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Renström A, Olsson M, Hedrén M, Johansson SGO, van Hage M. Pet shop workers: exposure, sensitization, and work-related symptoms. Allergy 2011; 66:1081-7. [PMID: 21463332 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2011.02591.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergy to laboratory animals is a well-known occupational hazard. The aim was to investigate the frequency of allergic sensitization and respiratory symptoms among pet shop staff and to document their work environment. METHODS Subjects (n = 59) from 24 pet shops were investigated with a questionnaire and lung function tests and skin prick tests against a panel of common inhalant and pet shop allergens. Blood samples were taken for immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgE antibodies against Phadiatop and specific pet shop allergens. Personal airborne rodent allergen (n = 40) and endotoxin exposure (n = 40) was measured during work. Airborne rodent allergens were also collected using petri dishes at work (n = 40) and at home (n = 45). RESULTS Fifty-three percent reported nasal symptoms, 34% eye symptoms, and 22% had experienced symptoms indicating asthma. However, only four workers (7%) were previously diagnosed with asthma. One-third reported respiratory symptoms at work, mostly against rodents, birds, insects, and hay, and 29% were sensitized to work-related allergens, mainly rodents and fodder insects, e.g., Zophobas. Atopy and total IgE > 100 kU/l increased prevalence of pet shop sensitization [prevalence ratio (PR) 17 and 5.5, respectively], and atopy increased work-related symptoms (PR 3.2). Endotoxin levels were similar between shops with and without rodents. Exposure to animals outside of work was extensive. CONCLUSIONS A third of the pet shop workers reported airway symptoms at work or were sensitized, sometimes to unusual pet shop allergens, especially among atopics. The findings stress the importance of improving the knowledge of health risks and allergen avoidance measures among pet shop staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Renström
- National Institute of Environmental Medicine, Lung and Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Nicholson PJ, Mayho GV, Roomes D, Swann AB, Blackburn BS. Health surveillance of workers exposed to laboratory animal allergens. Occup Med (Lond) 2010; 60:591-7. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqq150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Jang JH, Kim DW, Kim SW, Kim DY, Seong WK, Son TJ, Rhee CS. Allergic rhinitis in laboratory animal workers and its risk factors. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2009; 102:373-7. [PMID: 19492657 DOI: 10.1016/s1081-1206(10)60507-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The workers in an animal laboratory are exposed to laboratory animal allergens (LAAs). OBJECTIVES To evaluate the difference of sensitization to LAAs and the symptoms according to the exposure levels and to investigate the risk factors for sensitization to LAAs. METHODS The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to the presence or absence of exposure: 74 subjects were in the direct exposure group, 33 subjects were in the indirect exposure group, and 30 subjects were in the control group. Each group answered the questionnaire and underwent skin prick tests that included 10 common allergens and 10 LAAs. The levels of total IgE and specific IgE to mouse and rat urine allergen were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 2 exposure groups. Allergic symptoms, skin sensitization, and serum IgE level were compared between the study groups. RESULTS Twenty-five (34%) of the 74 subjects in the direct exposure group experienced allergic symptoms since their exposure to laboratory animals. The subjects in the direct and indirect exposure groups had more sensitization to LAAs than did the control subjects. The direct exposure group had more positive results for total IgE than did the indirect exposure group. The subjects in the direct exposure group with atopy had more severe allergic symptoms than the subjects in the indirect exposure group with atopy. Atopy and total IgE level were risk factors for the sensitization to LAAs for the direct exposure group (odds ratios, 7.47 and 7.33, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Indirect exposure may be as risky for sensitization to LAAs as direct exposure. More careful protection is needed for laboratory animal workers with atopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hun Jang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Dutau G, Rancé F. Les nouveaux animaux de compagnie et leurs risques allergiques. REVUE FRANCAISE D ALLERGOLOGIE 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reval.2009.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Abstract
In recent years, to the list of classic pet animals (dogs and cats) as allergens we must now add the "new pet animals" (NPAs). This group of animals, referred to by the Anglo-Saxons as "pets", includes both those previously recognized (rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, birds) and the "truly new NPAs"; by general agreement "NPA" will include all animals other than cats and dogs. Some rather rare animals are regularly added to this list. The emergence of "NPAs" can be related to a social phenomenon, in particular, to the fashion and need for the exotic (http://www.aquadesign.be). They are a very diverse group: warm-blooded animals, spiders, batrachia (frogs, toads, salamanders, etc.) and reptiles. Besides the physical risks from their natural aggressive behaviour, the "NPAs" can be an allergic risk factor and this risk has a tendency to increase. Allergists and paediatricians have a role to play in the diagnosis and prevention of these allergies by giving advice on the choice of pet animals. This review concerns allergies to rodents, reptiles, batrachians, spiders, etc.
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Schmid K, Jüngert B, Hager M, Drexler H. Is there a need for special preventive medical check-ups in employees exposed to experimental animal dust? Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2008; 82:319-27. [PMID: 18566826 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-008-0338-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2007] [Accepted: 06/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Due to new legal requirements in Germany, the employer must request preventive medical check-ups for activities involving exposure to dust from experimental animals in the rooms in which the animals are kept. The objective is to report our first experiences with these medical check-ups in the context of academic research. METHODS The check-ups were carried out since November 2005 and comprised a questionnaire and a medical examination, including a pulmonary function test with whole-body plethysmography. Respiratory, nasal and ocular symptoms related to occupational exposure to animals were documented. Participation in skin prick tests (ubiquitous inhalation allergens and laboratory animal allergens), a bronchial provocation test with methacholine, and serological examinations for total IgE and specific IgE antibodies was voluntary. RESULTS Data on 132 persons are presented. One hundred and six of these had already been exposed for at least 1 year. Main complaints at the workplace were sneezing and runny nose. Ocular symptoms and bronchial asthma were reported infrequently. The development of at least one of these symptoms occurred in 34% of employees with an exposure of at least 1 year. If the weekly exposure duration was at least 5 h, the proportion of employees with complaints rose to 44.9%. In employees occupationally exposed to mice and rats, work-related complaints occurred in 33.7 and 37.8%, respectively, and sensitisation rates were 12.7 and 16.3%, respectively. Employees with and without complaints differed in history of allergic symptoms, and workplace safety measures. CONCLUSIONS In employees with occupational contact with laboratory animal dust, the frequency of complaints was high. The results confirm the necessity of regular medical check-ups for employees with contact with laboratory animal dust. Nevertheless, the medical check-ups must be part of a prevention strategy including education, engineering controls, administrative controls, use of personal protective equipment and vocational integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Schmid
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine of the University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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