TY - JOUR
T1 - Animal Allergens, Endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-Glucan in Small Animal Practices
T2 - Exposure Levels at Work and in Homes of Veterinary Staff
AU - Zahradnik, Eva
AU - Sander, Ingrid
AU - Kleinmüller, Olaf
AU - Lotz, Anne
AU - Liebers, Verena
AU - Janssen-Weets, Bente
AU - Kler, Stéphanie
AU - Hilger, Christiane
AU - Beine, Alexandra
AU - Hoffmeyer, Frank
AU - Nienhaus, Albert
AU - Raulf, Monika
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.
PY - 2022/1/7
Y1 - 2022/1/7
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
KW - animal allergens
KW - cat
KW - dog
KW - endotoxin
KW - guinea pig
KW - horse
KW - occupational exposure
KW - rabbit
KW - veterinary practice
KW - β-(1,3)-glucan
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85117364686&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34363388
U2 - 10.1093/annweh/wxab053
DO - 10.1093/annweh/wxab053
M3 - Article
C2 - 34363388
SN - 2398-7308
VL - 66
SP - 27
EP - 40
JO - Annals of Work Exposures and Health
JF - Annals of Work Exposures and Health
IS - 1
ER -