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Atrás ZAHRADNIK, Eva; SANDER, Ingrid; KLEINMÜLLER, Olaf; LOTZ, Anne; LIEBERS, Verena; JANSSEN-WEETS, Bente; KLER, Stéphanieet et al. (2021). Animal Allergens, Endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-Glucan in Small Animal Practices: Exposure Levels at Work and in Homes of Veterinary Staff

ZAHRADNIK, Eva; SANDER, Ingrid; KLEINMÜLLER, Olaf; LOTZ, Anne; LIEBERS, Verena; JANSSEN-WEETS, Bente; KLER, Stéphanieet et al. (2021). Animal Allergens, Endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-Glucan in Small Animal Practices: Exposure Levels at Work and in Homes of Veterinary Staff

ZAHRADNIK, Eva; SANDER, Ingrid; KLEINMÜLLER, Olaf; LOTZ, Anne; LIEBERS, Verena; JANSSEN-WEETS, Bente; KLER, Stéphanieet et al. Animal Allergens, Endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-Glucan in Small Animal Practices: Exposure Levels at Work and in Homes of Veterinary Staff. Annals of Work Exposures and Health [en línea]. 2021. 20, 20. 1-14. [Consulta: 30.08.2021].DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab053.
 
Objetivos: En entornos veterinarios, se pueden esperar altas exposiciones a alérgenos animales y agentes microbianos. Sin embargo, los niveles de exposición ocupacional se desconocen en gran medida. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar las concentraciones de alérgenos, endotoxinas y β- (1,3) -glucano en las prácticas de pequeños animales y en los hogares de los empleados de la práctica. Conclusiones: La exposición a alérgenos animales es alta en las prácticas veterinarias, pero no alcanza niveles de hogares con mascotas. La exposición a los alérgenos de los ácaros domésticos y a las endotoxinas parece ser baja para los trabajadores de las prácticas veterinarias. La alta tasa de detección de Equ c 1 indica claramente la dispersión de alérgenos, muy probablemente a través de la ropa y el cabello.
 
Objectius: En entorns veterinaris, es poden esperar altes exposicions a al·lergògens animals i agents microbians. No obstant això, els nivells d'exposició ocupacional es desconeixen en gran manera. L'objectiu d'aquest estudi va ser estimar les concentracions d' al·lergògens, endotoxines i β- (1,3) -glucans en les pràctiques de xicotets animals i en les llars dels empleats de la pràctica. Conclusions: L'exposició a al·lergògens animals és alta en les pràctiques veterinàries, però no aconsegueix nivells de llars amb mascotes. L'exposició als al·lergògens dels àcars domèstics i a les endotoxines sembla ser baixa per als treballadors de les pràctiques veterinàries. L'alta taxa de detecció de Equ c 1 indica clarament la dispersió d'al·lergògens, molt probablement a través de la roba i el cabell.
 
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.