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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

Published in:

01-05-2007 | Original Article

Risk factors associated with airway allergic diseases from exposure to laboratory animal allergens among veterinarians

Authors: Anna Krakowiak, Marta Wiszniewska, Patrycja Krawczyk, Bogdan Szulc, Tomasz Wittczak, Jolanta Walusiak, Cezary Pałczynski

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 6/2007

Abstract

Objectives

Investigate the risk factors for the development of occupational airway allergy (OAA) from exposure to laboratory animal allergens (LAA) among Polish veterinarians.

Methods

Two hundred veterinarians responded to the questionnaire and were subjected to skin prick test (SPT) to common allergens and LAA (rat, mouse, hamster, guinea pig, rabbit). Evaluation of total serum IgE level and specific IgE against occupational allergens was performed. In addition, bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were measured before and after specific challenge testing (SCT) only in the subjects with work-related symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma (OA).

Results

The prevalence of asthmatic and ocular symptoms was statistically more prevalent in the group of veterinarians sensitised to LAA versus non-sensitised subjects. The most frequent occupational allergens of skin and serum reactivity were LAA (44.5 and 31.5%, respectively). In 41 (20.5%) and in 22 (11%) subjects out of 200 veterinarians, serum specific IgE to natural rubber latex (NRL) allergens and disinfectants was also found. Serum sensitisation to cat allergens and daily contact with laboratory animals (LA) increased the risk for developing isolated occupational rhinitis. Furthermore, working time of more than 10 years and daily contact with LA were also significant risk factors for the development of OAA. Measuring PEFR and BHR before and after SCT is a useful method to confirm the presence of OA.

Conclusions

Allergy to LAA is an important health problem among veterinary medicine practitioners in Poland.

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Title: Risk factors associated with airway allergic diseases from exposure to laboratory animal allergens among veterinarians
Authors: Anna Krakowiak
Marta Wiszniewska
Patrycja Krawczyk
Bogdan Szulc
Tomasz Wittczak
Jolanta Walusiak
Cezary Pałczynski
Publication date: 01-05-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 6/2007
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-006-0153-0

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Risk factors associated with airway allergic diseases from exposure to laboratory animal allergens among veterinarians

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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