Biomedical subjects

Jacek Dutkiewicz

Publications and source records attributed to Jacek Dutkiewicz.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Variability of airborne microflora in a hospital ward within a period of one year.

The aim of the study was to determine the seasonal variability of the airborne microflora in a hospital ward of the pneumonological department, with regard to potential impact on respiratory status of asthmatic patients hospitalized in the ward. Microbiological air sampling was carried out for a period of 1 year from June-May, during work-days, 16-21 days per month. Each day, the air samples were collected twice: in the morning at 09:00 and in the afternoon at 13:00. Air samples were taken with a custom-designed particle-sizing slit sampler enabling estimations of both total and respirable fractions of the microbial aerosol. Air samples for determination of bacteria were taken on blood agar and air samples for determination of fungi were taken on Sabouraud agar. Mean monthly concentrations of total microorganisms (bacteria + fungi) in the air of the examined hospital ward were between 296.1-529.9 cfu/m3. Mean monthly concentrations of airborne bacteria ranged from 257.1-436.3 cfu/m3, with peak values in November and May and the lowest values from December to February. Mean monthly concentrations of airborne fungi showed much greater variation than bacteria and ranged from 9.9-96.1 cfu/m3 with the very distinct peak in November and the lowest value in May. The variations in monthly concentrations of total microorganisms, bacteria and fungi in the air of hospital ward were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The concentrations of total airborne microorganisms, bacteria and fungi recorded in the hospital in the morning were significantly greater compared to those recorded in the afternoon (p < 0.01). The mean monthly values of respirable fraction for total microorganisms were within a range of 17.3-44.4%, for bacteria within a range of 17.2-44.8%, and for fungi within a range of 2.2-39.1%. The most common microorganisms in the air of the examined ward were Gram-positive cocci which accounted for 31.4-46.4% of the total count. Gram-negative bacteria and corynebacteria were less numerous, forming respectively 11.8-27.5% and 9.6-20.0% of the total count. Endospore-forming bacilli and actinomycetes occurred in small proportions, respectively 0.3-3.2% and 0-2.0% of the total count. Fungi formed 7.6-42.5% of the total count. The prevailing species was Aspergillus fumigatus which constituted on average 77.0% of total fungal strains isolated from the air of the hospital ward. A significant decrease of spirographic indices (VC, FEV1) in asthmatic patients hospitalized in the ward, at increase of the concentration of airborne bacteria and/or fungi, was found in 9 out of 24 examined patients (37.5%) and in 19 out of 192 analysed single relationships (9.9%). In conclusion, although bacteria and fungi occurred in the air of the examined hospital ward in relatively low numbers (of the order 10(2) cfu/m3 and 10(1) cfu/m3 respectively), they should be considered as a possible cause of asthma exacerbations in some patients because of the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus and other potentially pathogenic species.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii in water from wells located on farms.

Among various species of parasitic protozoans which may contaminate drinking water, Toxoplasma gondii is of a special importance due to the high incidence of infections with this parasite noted in animals and humans. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of occurrence of T. gondii in drinking water on farms in the area of the Lublin province (eastern Poland) with respect to health risk among the inhabitants, and to assess the role of water in the transmission of Toxoplasma infections in the rural environment. Studies were conducted on 87 farms located in the Lublin province, 14 of which were classified as possessing a good hygienic state, and 73 as possessing a poor hygienic state. A total number of 114 drinking water samples were taken, 80 samples from shallow household wells with a windlass, 16 from deep wells with a pump, and 18 from the water supply system. In microscopic and PCR examinations of 114 water samples, T. gondii was found in 15 (13.2%) and 31 (27.2%) of samples, respectively. The presence of T. gondii DNA detected by PCR test was found significantly more frequently in water samples from the shallow windlass-operated wells than in those from deep wells (p < 0.05) and water supply system (p < 0.01). Water samples collected from shallow wells located on farms of poor hygienic state contained significantly more frequently DNA of T. gondii than samples from shallow wells located on farms of good hygienic state (43.1% vs. 13.3%, p < 0.05). In 26.3% of water samples, oocysts of other protozoans were found belonging to Isospora, Eimeria, and Cryptosporidium. Serologic examinations for the presence of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies conducted among 99 inhabitants of the farms where household wells were used showed 64.6% of seropositive results in IgG class antibodies and 1.0% in IgM class antibodies. Clinical cases of toxoplasmosis were also noted. In the total population examined, a positive correlation was observed between the consumption of unboiled well water and the presence of antibodies against T. gondii (p < 0.05), this correlation being especially strong on farms of poor hygienic state enclosing shallow wells (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the recorded presence of T. gondii in well water provides an evidence of the potential risk of waterborne infection for humans and animals. Therefore, it seems necessary to implement prophylactic actions on the endangered farms.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Lublin region (eastern Poland).

The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence rate of 3 Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies in Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from wooded areas of the Lublin region (eastern Poland). A group of 1,813 I. ricinus ticks from 6 districts were examined for the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B.b.s.l.) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Another group of 438 I. ricinus ticks collected from 4 districts were examined for the presence of B.b.s.l. by culture on BSKH liquid medium confirmed by PCR, and for the presence of Borrelia spp. by dark field microscopy (DFM). Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies (Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii) were determined by nested-PCR in 113 ticks lysates showing presence of B.b.s.l. (in PCR or in culture and PCR). 5.4 % of I. ricinus ticks examined by PCR showed the presence of B.b.s.l. DNA. The infection rate was highest in females (12.1 %), lower in males (6.0 %) and the lowest in nymphs (1.7 %) (p < 0.001). The minimum infection rate of I. ricinus ticks with B.b.s.l. determined by culture was 3.4 %, whereas the minimum infection rate of ticks with motile spirochetes morphologically resembling Borrelia spp., determined by DFM, amounted to 11.2 %. The presence of all 3 Borrelia burgdorferi genospecies under investigation was found in ticks collected from 5 out of 6 examined districts. In 81.4 % of infected ticks only single infection with 1 genospecies was observed, while coinfections with 2 or 3 genospecies were detected respectively in 16.8 % and 1.8 % of infected ticks. Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto was the dominant genospecies in all examined tick stages and districts, both in single infections and in coinfections, and found in a total of 62.8 % of I. ricinus ticks infected with B.b.s.l. Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii were less frequent and observed in respectively 39.8 % and 17.8 % of infected ticks.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Correlation of tests for detection of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection in patients with diagnosed borreliosis.

A group of 180 patients with diagnosed Lyme borreliosis were examined for the presence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (B. burgdorferi s.l.) by serologic tests with B. burgdorferi s.l. antigens (IgM-ELISA, IgG-ELISA, IgM-immunoblot, IgG-immunoblot) and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR, nested-PCR) for detection of B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA in peripheral blood. A total of 61.7 %, 53.9 %, 62.2 %, and 59.4 % of the examined patients' sera showed positive or borderline results in the serologic tests IgM-ELISA, IgG-ELISA, IgM-immunoblot, and IgG immunoblot, respectively. The results of the tests IgM-ELISA and IgM-immunoblot were significantly correlated (p < 0.001). A higher degree of the correlation (p < 0.000001) was found at the comparison of results obtained with IgG-ELISA and IgG-immunoblot. The correlation between the positive findings in the IgM-ELISA and detection with IgM-immunoblot the diagnostically important B. burgdorferi s.l. OspC surface protein was relatively low but statistically significant (0.01 < p < 0.05). Much higher correlation was found between the positive findings in the IgG-ELISA and detection with IgG-immunoblot other diagnostically important B. burgdorferi s.l. antigen, the VlsE protein (p < 0.000001). The presence of B. burgdorferi s.l. DNA was found by PCR in 20 out 180 examined blood samples (11.1 %). No correlation was found to exist between the PCR results and the results of any of the serologic tests for detection of anti B. burgdorferi s.l. antibodies of IgM class. PCR results correlated significantly at a relatively low level (0.01 < p < 0.05) with the results of IgG-ELISA, but not with the results of IgG-immunoblot with regard to total reactions (0.2 < p < 0.1). By contrast, a distinctly significant correlation was found between the PCR results and detection of the VlsE protein with IgG-immunoblot (0.001 < p < 0.01). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that antibodies of IgG class are the most reliable marker in laboratory diagnostics of Lyme borreliosis, in particular those directed against VlsE surface protein of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Prevalence of Babesia microti in Ixodes ricinus ticks from Lublin region (eastern Poland).

A total of 1,367 Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from 5 districts of the Lublin region (eastern Poland) were examined for the presence of Babesia microti DNA by PCR and nested-PCR. As many as 74 ticks (5.4 %) were found to be infected with Babesia microti. The infection rate varied significantly with stage/sex of ticks (chi (2) =16.48543, df=2, p < 0.000264). The infection rates in females and males amounted to 6.4 % and 8.8 % respectively and were significantly higher (p=0.006 and p=0.0001 respectively) compared to minimum infection rate in nymphs that was equal to 2.8 %. The prevalence of infection showed also a significant variability depending on geographic location within the Lublin region (chi(2) =18.62812, df=4, p < 0.000932). The highest rates of infection with Babesia microti were noted in ticks collected from the areas of Puławy district situated in the northern part of region and the suburban Lublin district situated in the central part of the region (8.0 % and 7.3 % respectively). Mediocre infection rates (respectively 3.4 % and 3.3 %) were found in ticks from the Parczew and Włodawa districts situated in eastern part of the region and covered with humid lakeland forests. The lowest infection rate (0.5 %) was noted in ticks from the Zamość district situated in southern part of the region. In conclusion, the infection rate of Ixodes ricinus ticks with Babesia microti found in this study is higher compared to the majority of data reported by Polish and other European authors, and indicates a potential risk of human infection during occupational or recreational exposure to tick bite.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Legionella and other gram-negative bacteria in potable water from various rural and urban sources.

A total of 107 potable water samples were collected from various rural and urban sources located in the Lublin region (eastern Poland). 54 samples from rural sources comprised 32 samples of untreated well water and 22 samples of treated (chlorinated) tap water from rural dwellings distributed by the municipal water supply system (MWSS). 53 samples of treated water from urban sources were supplied by the city of Lublin MWSS. They comprised: 11 samples of tap water from offices and shops, 8 samples of tap water from dwellings, 19 samples from showerheads in health care units, and 15 samples from the outlets of medical appliances used for hydrotherapy in a rehabilitation centre. Water samples were examined for the presence and species composition of Legionella, Yersinia, Gram-negative bacteria belonging to family Enterobacteriaceae (GNB-E) and Gram-negative bacteria not belonging to family Enterobacteriaceae (GNB-NE), by filtering through cellulose filters and culture on respectively GVPC, CIN, EMB and tryptic soya agar media. Legionella was recovered from samples of well water, tap water from rural dwellings, tap water from urban dwellings, and water from medical appliances - with the isolation frequency of 27.8-50.0 %, and the low concentrations ranging from 0.7-13.3 x 10 (1) cfu/l. No Legionella strains were detected in tap water from offices and shops, and in water from showerheads in health care units. Strains of the Legionella pneumophila types 2-14 predominated, forming 89.9 % of total Legionella isolates, while other species of Legionella formed 10.1 %. Neither Legionella pneumophila type 1 strains nor Yersinia strains were isolated from the examined water samples. The isolation frequency and mean concentration of GNB-E in water samples from rural sources was significantly greater than in water samples from urban sources (respectively 61.1 % vs. 20.8 %, 17.1 vs. 3.4 x 10(1) cfu/l, p < 0.001). Isolation frequency of GNB-NE in water samples from rural sources was significantly greater compared to that from urban sources (77.8 % vs. 47.2 %, p < 0.01), but there was no significant difference in the concentration of GNB-NE in both sample sets. A significant correlation was found between concentrations of Legionella and GNB-NE for total MWSS water samples (p < 0.001), but not for the total well water samples. Altogether 34 GNB-E and GNB-NE species and/or genera were identified in the examined samples, out of which 21 were potentially pathogenic. Enterobacter spp., Klebsiella spp., Serratia spp., and Pantoea agglomerans were most common among GNB-E, while Acinetobacter spp. and species of Pseudomonadaceae family predominated among GNB-NE.

Colony Count, Microbial↗

PubMed2005

Respiratory effects of exposure to dust from herbs.

A group of 150 people occupationally exposed to dust from herbs were examined. As a reference group, 50 urban dwellers, not exposed to any kind of organic dust were examined. People were subjected to routine physical examination and to lung function examinations with the LUNGTEST 500 spirometer (MES, Kraków, Poland). The spirometric values of the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV (1)), vital capacity (VC) and FEV(1)/VC were recorded before and after work. Physical chest examination revealed pathological crepitations in 10 people (6.7 %). The mean baseline spirometric values in the study and reference groups did not show significant differences compared to the normal values. In the herb workers exposed to organic dust the post-shift decrease of all analysed spirometric values was noted. The post-shift decrease of some spirometric values (VC, VC % of normal values) was highly significant (p < 0.01). There was evidenced of a significant positive correlation between the age of examined people and decrease of VC and FEV(1) values. In 12 exposed workers the decrease of FEV(1) or FEV(1) % of normal values higher than 15 % was noted. 50 % of these workers cultivated thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). This may suggest that dust from herbs, especially thyme dust, may cause acute airway obstruction. In the group showing significant decrease of FEV(1)/FEV(1) % of normal values ( > 15 %) the frequency of reported respiratory work-related symptoms (83.3 %) was higher than in the rest of exposed group (61.5 %). In conclusion, occupational exposure to dust from herbs may cause harmful effects on the respiratory system among herb processing workers. This indicates the need for use of prophylactic measures in this professional group, the more so as number of people occupationally exposed to dust from herbs is growing.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Exposure to airborne microorganisms, dust and endotoxin during processing of valerian roots on farms.

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of microorganisms, dust and endotoxin in the air during various stages of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) roots processing by herb farmers and to examine the species composition of airborne microflora. Air samples were collected on glass fibre filters by use of personal samplers on 15 farms owned by valerian cultivating farmers, located in Lublin province (eastern Poland). The concentrations of total viable microorganisms (bacteria + fungi) in the air showed a marked variability and were within a range of 0.95-7,966.6 x 10(3) cfu/m (3). Though median was relatively low (10.75 x 10(3) cfu/m (3)), on 4 farms the concentrations exceeded the level of 10(5) cfu/m (3) and on 1 farm the level of 10(6) cfu/m (3). During the processing of valerian roots, distinct changes could be observed in the composition of airborne microflora. In the first stages of processing, the freshly dug and washed roots until shaking in the drying room, the most numerous were Gram-negative bacteria of the family Pseudomonadaceae (mostly Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas chlororaphis and Pseudomonas fluorescens). After drying, the dominant organisms were thermo-resistant endospore-forming bacilli (Bacillus spp.) and fungi, among which prevailed Aspergillus fumigatus. Altogether, 29 species or genera of bacteria and 19 species or genera of fungi were identified in the farm air during valerian processing, of these, 10 and 12 species or genera respectively were reported as having allergenic and/or immunotoxic properties. The concentrations of airborne dust and endotoxin on the examined farms were very large and ranged from 10.0-776.7 mg/m (3), and from 0.15-24,448.2 microg/m (3), respectively (medians 198.3 mg/m (3) and 40.48 microg/m (3)). In conclusion, farmers cultivating valerian could be exposed during processing of valerian roots to large concentrations of airborne microorganisms, dust and endotoxin posing a risk of work-related respiratory disease.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗

PubMed2005

Risk of tick-borne bacterial diseases among workers of Roztocze National Park (south-eastern Poland).

The objective of the present study was to assess the risk of borreliosis and anaplasmosis (ehrlichiosis) among the forestry workers of the Roztocze National Park (south-eastern Poland) by examination of Ixodes ricinus ticks living in park area with PCR method, and by the serological and clinical examination of the workers. In 406 examined ticks, the prevalence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was 11.5 %. The nested PCR reaction for determining the genospecies showed that the most common was Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (55.3 % of total positive) followed by Borrelia afzelii (38.3 %). As many as 6.1 % out of 115 examined ticks showed the presence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA. The infection rate was high in males and females (14.3 % and 11.1 % respectively) and low in nymphs (1.5 %). In 46 out 113 examined forestry workers (40.7 %) the presence of specific IgG and/or IgM antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was found in ELISA test, while only 4 out of 56 urban blood donors showed a positive response (p<0.0001). The prevalence of IgG antibodies against Anaplasma phagocytophilum determined with the use of indirect immunofluorescence test (IFA) was 17.7 % in forestry workers compared to 5.4 % in reference group of blood donors (p<0.05). No correlation was found between the presence of antibodies to A. phagocytophilum and to B. burgdorferi s. l. Clinical investigations of 113 forestry workers showed 3 cases of borreliosis (2.7 %) and no cases of anaplasmosis (ehrlichiosis). In conclusion, forestry workers of the Roztocze National Park in south-eastern Poland are often exposed to Ixodes ricinus ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and show a high proportion of asymptomatic borreliosis and anaplasmosis (ehrlichiosis) manifested by a positive serologic response, while the number of clinical cases is relatively low.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Health effects of exposure to herb dust in valerian growing farmers.

The aim of the present study was to determine the health status of farmers cultivating valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) and occupationally exposed to dust from this plant. A group of 75 valerian growing farmers were examined. As a reference group, 50 urban dwellers, not exposed to any kind of organic dust were examined. All people were interviewed for the presence of work-related symptoms and subjected to physical and spirometric examinations. Skin prick tests were conducted with 4 microbial antigens associated with organic dust and 3 herbal extracts, precipitin tests with 12 microbial antigens and 4 herbal extracts and tests for specific inhibition of leukocyte migration with 4 microbial antigens. 30.7 % of the valerian farmers reported occurrence of work-related symptoms. No significant differences were found between the spirometric values in the group of valerian farmers and the reference group. Valerian farmers showed a low frequency of positive skin reactions to all tested antigens (0-4.0 %), not significantly greater compared to reference group. The frequency of positive precipitin reactions to the antigen of Gram-negative bacterium Pantoea agglomerans was very high in valerian farmers (45.5 %) with 3-fold concentrated sera and significantly greater compared to the reference group (p < 0.001). The positive precipitin response of valerian farmers to other microbial and herbal antigens was much lower or absent and did not show any difference compared to reference group. In the test for specific inhibition of leukocyte migration, the highest frequencies of positive reactions in valerian farmers were noted with Pantoea agglomerans and Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula (15.0 % each), in both cases significantly greater compared to reference group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the farmers growing valerian showed a moderate frequency of work-related symptoms and low reactivity to most microbial and herbal allergens. They exhibited an increased immunologic response to Gram-negative bacterium Pantoea agglomerans which appears to be the most important risk factor associated with valerian dust.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Exposure of Indian agricultural workers to airborne microorganisms, dust and endotoxin during handling of various plant products.

Microbiological air sampling with the use of personal sampler was performed in 14 small agricultural facilities located in Aurangabad (Southern India), including 5 farms (at harvesting and threshing), 6 godowns (small food storing and processing settings) and 3 grain or cotton mills. In 12 facilities, including harvesting on farms, godowns and mills, concentrations of airborne microorganisms were relatively low, ranging from 1.5 x 10(3) - 8.2 x 10(4) cfu/m(3). The striking rise in the concentrations of airborne microbes, by 2-4 orders of magnitude, was noted on 2 farms during threshing of maize (4.2 x 10(6) cfu/m(3)) and pearl millet (1.1 x 10(7) cfu/m(3)). This was due to release of large quantities of bacteria. During threshing of maize, the most common microorganisms were thermophilic actinomycetes (40 % of the total count) and mesophilic actinomycetes of the genus Streptomyces (39 %), while during threshing of pearl millet the most abundant were corynebacteria (68 %) and Gram-negative bacteria (22 %). Mesophilic bacteria formed 16.7-100 % of the total airborne microflora and were prevalent in 11 out of 14 facilities. Thermophilic actinomycetes and fungi formed respectively 0-43.1 % and 0-83.3 % of the total count and were prevalent in 1 and 2 facilities. The concentrations of airborne dust and endotoxin recorded in the examined agricultural facilities, in most cases were very large and ranged from 2.5-257.5 mg/m(3), and from 0.0625-125.0 microg/m(3), respectively. In 10 out of 14 facilities, the concentrations of dust were of the order 10(1)-10(2) mg/m(3), ranging from 25.0-257.5 mg/m(3). Similarly, in 7 out of 14 facilities the concentrations of endotoxin were of the order 10(1)-10(2) microg/m(3), ranging from 31.25-125.0 microg/m(3). In conclusion, Indian agricultural workers could be exposed during handling of various plant materials to airborne biological hazards posing a risk of work-related respiratory disease. Of these, the most important are: bacterial endotoxin and allergenic species of bacteria and fungi. The greatest risk occurs at threshing of pearl millet and maize which requests an application of the appropriate prevention measures, such as wearing respirators by the workers and using modern threshing machines reducing the dustiness.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗

PubMed2005

Exposure to airborne microorganisms, dust and endotoxin during processing of peppermint and chamomile herbs on farms.

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of microorganisms, dust and endotoxin in the air during processing of peppermint (Mentha piperita) and chamomile (Matricaria recutita) by herb farmers, and to examine the species composition of airborne microflora. Air samples were collected on glass fibre filters by use of personal samplers on 13 farms owned by herb cultivating farmers, located in Lublin province (eastern Poland). The concentrations of total viable microorganisms (bacteria + fungi) in the farm air during processing of peppermint herb were large, within a range from 895.1-6,015.8 x 10(3) cfu/m(3) (median 1,055.3 x 10(3) cfu/m(3)). During processing of chamomile herb they were much lower and varied within a range from 0.88-295.6 x 10(3) cfu/m(3) (median 27.3 x 10(3) cfu/m(3)). Gram-negative bacteria distinctly prevailed during processing of peppermint leaves, forming 46.4-88.5 % of the total airborne microflora. During processing of chamomile herb, Gram-negative bacteria were dominant at 3 out of 6 sampling sites forming 54.7-75.3 % of total microflora, whereas at the remaining 3 sites the most common were fungi forming 46.2-99.9 % of the total count. The species Pantoea agglomerans (synonyms: Erwinia herbicola, Enterobacter agglomerans ), having strong allergenic and endotoxic properties, distinctly prevailed among Gram-negative isolates. Among fungi, the most common species was Alternaria alternata. The concentrations of airborne dust and endotoxin determined on the examined herb farms were large. The concentrations of airborne dust during peppermint and chamomile processing ranged from 86.7-958.9 mg/m(3), and from 1.1-499.2 mg/m(3), respectively (medians 552.3 mg/m(3) and 12.3 mg/m(3)). The concentrations of airborne endotoxin determined during peppermint and chamomile processing were within a wide range 1.53-208.33 microg/m(3) and 0.005-2604.19 microg/m(3) respectively (medians 57.3 microg/m(3) and 0.96 microg/m(3)). In conclusion, farmers cultivating peppermint are exposed during processing of this herb to large concentrations of airborne microorganisms, dust and endotoxin posing a risk of work-related respiratory disease. The exposure to bioaerosols during processing of chamomile is lower; nevertheless, peak values create a respiratory risk for exposed farmers.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗

PubMed2005

Immunostimulative effects of repeated inhalation exposure to microvesicle-bound endotoxin of Pantoea agglomerans.

Rabbits exposed repeatedly to aerosols of endotoxin-containing microvesicles (ECMV) of the outer membrane of the Pantoea agglomerans strain isolated from airborne grain dust showed a large increase in the concentration of circulating cytokines: total interferon (IFN), interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). The increase was significantly higher compared to animals exposed to control saline (p < 0.001). Aerosol exposure to ECMV also induced the formation of specific precipitin antibodies and lymphocyte activation. The results indicate strong immunomodulative properties of ECMVs produced in nature by Pantoea agglomerans bacteria, and heavily contaminating organic dusts.

Administration, Inhalation↗

PubMed2004

Exposure to bioaerosols: allergic reactions and respiratory function in Polish hop growers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of work-related symptoms in hop growers and their relation to bioaerosols exposure. The study group comprised 69 hop growers and 58 office workers as controls. The examination included: physician-administrated questionnaire, PEF measurements, skin prick test, agar-gel precipitation test, and migration inhibition test. Microbiological air sampling was performed on all farms. RESULTS: The concentrations of total airborne microflora ranged from 2.08 to 129.6 x 10(3) CFU/m3. Airborne endotoxin and dust concentrations ranged from 26 to 6250 ng/m3 and 0.2-31.7 mg/m3, respectively. Altogether 52.2% of farmers complained of work-related symptoms. Positive skin reactions to microbial allergens were significantly more frequent in a group of hop growers with work-related respiratory symptoms compared to the rest of the farmers (18% vs 2%, P <0.05). Positive reactions in agar-gel precipitation test and in the leukocyte migration inhibition test were not correlated with the occurrence of work-related symptoms. The mean daily PEF values in farmers were lower compared to controls (469.7 +/- 127.5 vs 562.9 +/- 123.8; P <0.001). PEF (amp%mean) was higher in farmers compared to controls (9.3% vs 8.1%; P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite relatively lower exposure to bioaerosols, compared to farmers in other branches of agriculture, over 50% of hop growers complained of work-related symptoms. This may be partly due to the effects of microbial allergens and toxins and partly to the irritant or allergic properties of hop plant itself.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Metalworking fluid bioaerosols at selected workplaces in a steelworks.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to metalworking fluid (MWF) aerosols has been shown to be associated with a variety of respiratory and skin diseases of workers. METHODS: Measurements of particulate aerosols, bacterial bioaerosol, and endotoxins and 3-hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH FAs) content in water-based and straight oil MWFs were done during an 8 hr work shift in the grindery and oil basement sections of a steelworks located in Upper Silesia, Poland. RESULTS: Particulate aerosol concentrations were below NIOSH recommended occupational exposure level. Differences in concentration and taxonomical composition of airborne bacteria between grindery and oil basement were found, due to the more aggressive creation of oil mist during machining operations and different MWF characteristics, which favor growth of different bacterial strains. CONCLUSIONS: The GC-MS analysis of 3-OH FAs as a marker of endotoxin contamination of the MWF and of the air seems to be a promising tool for evaluation of occupational exposure to bacterial bioaerosols.

Aerosols↗

PubMed2004

[Occupational bio hazards: current issues].

Over the last decade, there was noted a large advancement of knowledge on living organisms and their products posing a potential occupational risk. Novel risk factors, often new to science, were identified, the role and significance of already known factors better comprehended, and occupational groups endangered by biological hazards more thoroughly recognized. Novel viruses and prions, emerging in different parts of the world, may pose a particular threat to health and life of health care workers, agriculture workers and veterinarians. A new coronavirus (SCoV) that evoked a rapid outbreak of disease described as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in the first half of 2003 may serve as an example. The disease was particularly common among health care workers. Previously discovered zoonotic viruses, Nipah virus in pigs and Hendra virus in horses, may be a cause of fatal encephalitis in animal farmers. Hantaviruses (Puumala, Hantaan, Sin Nombre and others) infecting field rodents may be a cause of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) or pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in farmers and laboratory workers. Prions responsible for inducing a zoonotic variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) are considered to be a potential cause of work-related infections in agricultural and health care workers, however, this assumption has not as yet been supported by any conclusive evidence. In many countries, blood-borne occupational infections with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major epidemiological problem among health care workers, mostly because no vaccine against this virus has been produced to date. Vaccinations effectively restricted the number of occupational infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and work-related infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are very rare. Hazardous bioserosols, occurring in many work environments, pose an occupational health hazard of particular importance. Many new biological factors present in organic dusts that may induce work-related allergic and immunotoxic diseases among farmers and workers of the agricultural and wood industries have been identified. Droplet aerosols, which are generated from water, oils, oil-water emulsions and other liquids in various work environments, may contain infectious agents (Legionella spp.) as well as allergic and/or toxic agents. It has been shown that allergens and endotoxins produced by Gram-negative bacteria occurring in oil mist from metalworking fluids may cause occupational respiratory diseases in workers of the metallurgic industry.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Immunologic reactivity to work-related airborne allergens in people occupationally exposed to dust from herbs.

A group of 150 people occupationally exposed to dust from herbs were examined. The examined group consisted of 47 thyme farmers, 32 chamomile farmers, 31 sage farmers and 40 workers of herbs processing industry. As a reference group, 50 urban dwellers, not exposed to any kind of organic dust, were examined. Skin prick tests and precipitin tests were conducted with, respectively, 4 and 11 microbial antigens associated with organic dust. Both skin and precipitin tests were also conducted with herbal extracts of chamomile and sage. Precipitin tests were carried out with sera not concentrated and sera 3-fold concentrated. Tests for inhibition of leukocyte migration (MIF) were also conducted with 4 microbial antigens. People occupationally exposed to dust from herbs showed a higher frequency of positive skin reactions to microbial antigens compared to the reference group. The results of precipitin test also revealed greater reactivity to the environmental microbial antigens in the examined group, compared to the reference group. The highest frequency of positive results was noted with the antigen of Pantoea agglomerans (30.6 % with sera not concentrated and 48.3 % with sera 3-fold concentrated) - the difference compared to the reference group (12.0 %) was highly significant (p < 0.01). The frequencies of positive results of MIF test in the examined group were high with all antigens tested: Arthrobacter globiformis (12.6 %), Pantoea agglomerans (11.1 %), Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula (17.0 %), Aspergillus fumigatus (13.3 %), and, compared to the reference group with no positive result for any antigen, all the differences were significant (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the frequency of positive allergological reactions to airborne microorganisms was high in people occupationally exposed to dust from herbs and suggests a potential role of microbial allergens in the pathogenesis of work-related health disorders among herb workers. The risk of sensitization seems to be greatest among thyme farmers, who showed the highest positive response. The results confirmed the particular allergenic importance of Gram-negative bacterium Pantoea agglomerans.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Exposure of hop growers to bioaerosols.

Air sampling was performed during picking and sorting of hop (Humulus lupulus) cones on 19 hop farms located in eastern Poland. The concentration and composition of airborne microflora and the concentration of airborne dust and endotoxin were determined. Additionally, 7 samples of settled hop dust were collected and examined for the presence of microorganisms and endotoxin. Total concentrations of airborne microorganisms were within a range of 2.08-129.58 x 10(3) cfu/m(3). Gram-positive bacteria formed 22.2-96 % of the total count. Among them, prevailed corynebacteria and endospore-forming bacilli. Fungi constituted 3.7-65.4 % of the total count. The dominant species were Penicillium citrinum, Alternaria alternata, and Cladosporium epiphyllum. Thermophilic actinomycetes and Gram-negative bacteria were detected in the air of only 10 and 6 farms, respectively. Airborne dust concentrations at the workplace ranged from 0.17-31.67 mg/m(3). The concentrations of airborne endotoxin were in the range of 26-6250 ng/m(3). In the samples of settled dust, the concentrations of total microorganisms ranged from 0.25 x 10(6) to 2.87 x 10(8) cfu/g. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria constituted respectively 3.2-98 % and 0-93.5 % of the total count. Fungi formed 0-30.3 % of the total count. The most common species were Penicillium spp. and Alternaria alternata. The concentrations of endotoxin were in the range of 312.5-6250 microg/g (median 6250 microg/g). The presence of microorganisms and endotoxin in the samples of settled dust was confirmed by electron microscopy. The hop growers seem to be exposed to lower concentrations of dust, microorganisms and endotoxin compared to other branches of agriculture. This may be partly due to antimicrobial properties of hop plant. Among microbial factors associated with hop dust, bacterial endotoxin and allergenic fungi pose the greatest potential hazard for exposed hop farmers.

Aerosols↗