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Zahradnik E, Sander I, Kleinmüller O, Lotz A, Liebers V, Janssen-Weets B, Kler S, Hilger C, Beine A, Hoffmeyer F, Nienhaus A, Raulf M. Animal Allergens, Endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-Glucan in Small Animal Practices: Exposure Levels at Work and in Homes of Veterinary Staff. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 66:27-40. [PMID: 34363388 PMCID: PMC8751790 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In veterinary settings, high exposures to animal allergens and microbial agents can be expected. However, occupational exposure levels are largely unknown. The objective of this study was to estimate the allergen, endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-glucan concentrations in small animal practices and in the homes of practice employees. METHODS Dust samples were collected using electrostatic dust fall collectors in diverse rooms of 36 small animal practices, as well as in employees' homes. Major animal allergens (Fel d 1, Can f 1, Ory c 3, Cav p 1, Equ c 1, Bos d 2), domestic mite (DM) allergens, and β-(1,3)-glucan levels were measured using enzyme immunoassays. Endotoxin was determined using the Limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. Influences on exposure levels were analyzed using multilevel models. RESULTS The levels of Can f 1, Fel d 1, Ory c 3, and Cav p 1 were up to 30 times higher in practices compared with homes without animals, but significantly lower compared with the homes with the respective pet. Although horses were not treated in the practices, Equ c 1 was found in 87.5% of samples, with the highest concentrations measured in changing rooms. DM levels were significantly lower in practices than in all private homes, and endotoxin levels were similar to those in homes with pets. In the practice itself, exposure levels were significantly influenced by animal presence, type of the room, and area per employee; whereas, room volume and diverse cleaning measures had mostly no effect. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to animal allergens is high in veterinary practices, but it does not reach levels of households with pets. Domestic mite allergen and endotoxin exposure seem to be low for workers in veterinary practices. The high Equ c 1 detection rate strongly indicates dispersal of allergens, most likely through clothing and hair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Zahradnik
- Department of Allergology and Immunology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Tel: +49-3013001-4325; e-mail:
| | - Ingrid Sander
- Department of Allergology and Immunology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Olaf Kleinmüller
- CVcare, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne Lotz
- Department of Epidemiology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Verena Liebers
- Department of Allergology and Immunology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Bente Janssen-Weets
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxemburg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxemburg
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Stéphanie Kler
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxemburg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxemburg
| | - Christiane Hilger
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxemburg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxemburg
| | - Alexandra Beine
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Frank Hoffmeyer
- Department of Medicine, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
| | - Albert Nienhaus
- CVcare, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Hazardous Substances and Health Research (AGG), Institution for Statutory Accident Insurance and Prevention in the Health and Welfare Services (BGW), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Monika Raulf
- Department of Allergology and Immunology, Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance, Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum (IPA), Bochum, Germany
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