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Zakeri A, Montaseri M, Shekarforoush SS. Prevalence and risk factors associated with Q fever infection in slaughterhouse workers in Fars province, Iran. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023; 96:597-605. [PMID: 36635602 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-01954-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Q fever is a main occupational zoonotic disease. Slaughterhouse is one of the most remarkable ways of transmitting the infection from livestock to humans. This study aimed to survey the prevalence of Q fever in slaughterhouse workers in Fars province, Iran, for the first time. METHODS Ninety serum samples were collected from slaughterhouse workers and tested to detect Immunoglobulin G (IgG) against Coxiella burnetii using ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). PCR was also applied to identify C. burnetii DNA in the blood samples. RESULTS Q fever seroprevalence was found at 26.7% in ELISA, showing recent infection. This result indicates that Q fever seroprevalence is relatively high in the Fars region. IFA showed a high seroprevalence of total IgG antibodies at 1:64 titer (73.3%) and relatively high IgG at 1:256 titer (40%) against C. burnetii. 2.2% of the workers were recognized as having probable acute Q fever. The IgG II prevalence at 1:64 and 1:256 titers was, respectively, 63.3% and 24.4% positive. The IgG I prevalence at 1:64 and 1:256 titers was also found 33.3% and 22.2% positive, respectively. Molecular prevalence of Q fever was also 8.9%. A significant relationship was found between IgG I seropositivity and longer work experience and employing other livestock-related jobs (animal husbandry and butchery) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS As such, the high seroprevalence of Q fever among abattoir workers highlights the importance of further comprehensive epidemiological studies, occupational screening programs, and preventive measures for Q fever in high-risk groups. This also warns animal health care organizations about the risk of Q fever infection in livestock in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Zakeri
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Montaseri
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Seyed Shahram Shekarforoush
- Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
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Villalobos A, Mac Cawley A. Prediction of slaughterhouse workers' RULA scores and knife edge using low-cost inertial measurement sensor units and machine learning algorithms. Appl Ergon 2022; 98:103556. [PMID: 34419785 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) has been a concern in the meat-processing industry, owing to the manual nature of the work and the high upper-limb and neck exposure to movements that can lead to WRMSD. The ability to perform an accurate and fast assessment of WRMSDs remains a challenge in industrial environments. Most assessment methodologies rely on standard survey-based methods, which are time- and labor-intensive. In this paper, we present an application of inertial measurement units (IMUs) to measure human activity, and the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to perform task classification and ergonomic assessments in workplace settings. We present the results obtained by using simple low-cost IMUs worn on slaughterhouse worker wrists to capture information on their movements. We describe the use of this information to detect the risk factors of the wrists/hands that can lead to WRMSDs. The results indicate that by using low-cost IMU-based sensors on the wrists of slaughterhouse workers, we can accurately classify the sharpness of the knife and predict the worker RULA score.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo Villalobos
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna, 4860, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Alejandro Mac Cawley
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Vicuña Mackenna, 4860, Santiago, Chile.
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Mrzljak A, Balen I, Barbic L, Ilic M, Vilibic-Cavlek T. Hepatitis E virus in professionally exposed: A reason for concern? World J Hepatol 2021; 13:723-730. [PMID: 34367494 PMCID: PMC8326162 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i7.723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The zoonotic risk of hepatitis E virus (HEV) is well established. The HEV seroprevalence rates vary according to geographical region, assays used, and study cohorts. HEV infection is still underdiagnosed, implying the need to evaluate the disease's burden in the general population and specific risk groups, such as professionally exposed. Close contact with various animal reservoirs such as pigs, rabbits, sheep, dogs, wild boars, and deer has been associated with higher anti-HEV seroprevalence as a part of occupational exposure. While exact transmission routes remain to be determined, some general preventive measures such as proper hand hygiene, the usage of personal protective equipment, and the thermal processing of food before consumption should be followed. A “One-Health” multisectoral approach should be implemented to achieve optimal health and well-being outcomes, recognizing the interconnections between humans, animals, plants, and their shared environment, in which a vaccine against the zoonotic genotypes 3 and 4 and swine vaccination should be considered as a possible public health measure. This opinion review comprehensively addresses the HEV burden of professional exposure for butchers, slaughterhouse workers, veterinarians, farmers, hunters, and forestry workers delineates the current limits of protective work measures, and tackles future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mrzljak
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Ivan Balen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, General Hospital “Dr. Josip Bencevic”, Slavonski Brod 35000, Croatia
| | - Ljubo Barbic
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Maja Ilic
- Department of Epidemiology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
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Van Gompel L, Luiken REC, Hansen RB, Munk P, Bouwknegt M, Heres L, Greve GD, Scherpenisse P, Jongerius-Gortemaker BGM, Tersteeg-Zijderveld MHG, García-Cobos S, Dohmen W, Dorado-García A, Wagenaar JA, Urlings BAP, Aarestrup FM, Mevius DJ, Heederik DJJ, Schmitt H, Bossers A, Smit LAM. Description and determinants of the faecal resistome and microbiome of farmers and slaughterhouse workers: A metagenome-wide cross-sectional study. Environ Int 2020; 143:105939. [PMID: 32679392 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.105939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND By studying the entire human faecal resistome and associated microbiome, the diversity and abundance of faecal antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) can be comprehensively characterized. Prior culture-based studies have shown associations between occupational exposure to livestock and carriage of specific antimicrobial resistant bacteria. Using shotgun metagenomics, the present study investigated 194 faecal resistomes and bacteriomes from humans occupationally exposed to ARGs in livestock (i.e. pig and poultry farmers, employees and family members and pig slaughterhouse workers) and a control population (Lifelines cohort) in the Netherlands. In addition, we sought to identify determinants for the human resistome and bacteriome composition by applying a combination of multivariate (NMDS, PERMANOVA, SIMPER and DESeq2 analysis) and multivariable regression analysis techniques. RESULTS Pig slaughterhouse workers and pig farmers carried higher total ARG abundances in their stools compared to broiler farmers and control subjects. Tetracycline, β-lactam and macrolide resistance gene clusters dominated the resistome of all studied groups. No significant resistome alpha diversity differences were found among the four populations. However, the resistome beta diversity showed a separation of the mean resistome composition of pig and pork exposed workers from broiler farmers and controls, independent of their antimicrobial use. We demonstrated differences in resistome composition between slaughter line positions, pig versus poultry exposed workers, as well as differences between farmers and employees versus family members. In addition, we found a significant correlation between the bacteriome and resistome, and significant differences in the bacteriome composition between and within the studied subpopulations. Finally, an in-depth analysis of pig and poultry farms - of which also farm livestock resistomes were analysed - showed positive associations between the number of on-farm working hours and human faecal AMR loads. CONCLUSION We found that the total normalized faecal ARG carriage was larger in persons working in the Dutch pork production chain compared to poultry farmers and controls. Additionally, we showed significant differences in resistome and bacteriome composition of pig and pork exposed workers compared to a control group, as well as within-population (farms, slaughterhouse) compositional differences. The number of on-farm working hours and the farm type (pig or broiler) that persons live or work on are determinants for the human faecal resistome. Overall, our results may suggest direct or indirect livestock contact as a determinant for human ARG carriage. Future studies should further focus on the connection between the human and livestock resistome (i.e. transmission routes) to substantiate the evidence for livestock-associated resistome acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liese Van Gompel
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Roosmarijn E C Luiken
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rasmus B Hansen
- Intomics A/S, Lottenborgvej 26, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Patrick Munk
- Section for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 204, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | - Lourens Heres
- Vion Food Group, Boseind 15, 5281 RM Boxtel, the Netherlands
| | - Gerdit D Greve
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Scherpenisse
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Betty G M Jongerius-Gortemaker
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Monique H G Tersteeg-Zijderveld
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Silvia García-Cobos
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, 9713 GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wietske Dohmen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Dorado-García
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap A Wagenaar
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands; Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | | | - Frank M Aarestrup
- Section for Genomic Epidemiology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 204, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Dik J Mevius
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 1, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands; Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Dick J J Heederik
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Heike Schmitt
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands; Centre for Infectious Disease Control, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721MA Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Alex Bossers
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands; Wageningen Bioveterinary Research, Houtribweg 39, 8221 RA Lelystad, the Netherlands
| | - Lidwien A M Smit
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 2, 3584 CM Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Ngugi JN, Fèvre EM, Mgode GF, Obonyo M, Mhamphi GG, Otieno CA, Cook EAJ. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of leptospirosis in slaughter pigs; a neglected public health risk, western Kenya. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:403. [PMID: 31703588 PMCID: PMC6842184 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2159-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonosis of public health importance transmitted through contact with contaminated soil, water or urine of infected animals. In pigs the disease is characterized by abortion, still births and weak piglets. A cross-sectional study was conducted in May to July 2018 to estimate the sero-prevalence of leptospirosis and factors associated with seropositivity in slaughter pigs. A questionnaire was used to collect information on animal demographics. Serum was tested for anti-leptospiral antibodies using microscopic agglutination test (MAT) with a panel of 8 serovars. Sera were considered positive for sero-reactivity at a MAT titre ≥1:40 against at least one serovar. Chi-square tests were used to measure the strength of association between the MAT test result and exploratory variables. RESULTS A total of 252 pig serum samples from seven slaughterhouses were tested for Leptospira antibodies by MAT. Of the 252 pigs sampled, 88.8% (244/252) were indigenous breeds; 55.6% (140/252) were female and 88.7% (220/252) were reared in extensive production systems. Eighty-three (32.9%; 83/252) sera samples tested positive on MAT against at least one serovar. Of the 8 serovars, the highest prevalence was recorded for serovar Lora 21.4% followed by Kenya 5.2%, Sokoine 3.6% and Grippotyphosa at 3.2%. Risk factors for leptospirosis seropositivity in pigs were: originating from farms with other types of livestock (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.0-4.5) and mature pigs (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.1-3.3). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that there is a high prevalence of leptospirosis positive pigs at slaughter in a small-holder livestock keeping region of the Lake Victoria basin. The potential for cross species transmission of pathogenic serovars is highlighted as well as the potential for occupational exposure to slaughterhouse personnel. Improvements in husbandry practices (confinement and rodent control) and public health education among slaughterhouse workers and other high-risk groups is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah N Ngugi
- Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Kenyatta National Hospital, P.O. Box 22313, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya. .,County Government of Taita Taveta, P.O. Box 1066-80304, Wundanyi, Kenya.
| | - Eric M Fèvre
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, PO Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.,Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Georgies F Mgode
- Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Mark Obonyo
- Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program, Kenyatta National Hospital, P.O. Box 22313, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.,Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Directorate of Veterinary Services, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ginethon G Mhamphi
- Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | | | - Elizabeth Anne Jessie Cook
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, PO Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya. .,Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
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Tariq H, Kamal MU, Makker J, Azam S, Pirzada UA, Mehak V, Kumar K, Patel H. Hepatitis in slaughterhouse workers. World J Hepatol 2019; 11:37-49. [PMID: 30705717 PMCID: PMC6354121 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v11.i1.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Slaughterhouse workers (SHW) are at increased risk of hepatitis which can occur due to different organisms and should be investigated for viral, bacterial, and parasitic organisms. Slaughter house personnel including butchers are at a higher risk of infections from cuts and blood-letting, with the possible risk of the transmission of blood-borne pathogens to their colleagues. The objective of this review is to evaluate the common etiologies of hepatitis in SHW which will assist in the assessment of these patients presenting with transaminitis. Types of Microorganisms causing hepatitis with their reservoirs, routes of transmission, laboratory diagnosis, clinical features, treatment options and preventive strategies are included in this review. Proper investigation and awareness is of utmost importance as it causes significant financial constraints derived from workers health cost and from livestock production losses when the disease is confirmed. The work up is essential because infected workers might be a source of infections to other colleagues, family and the consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Tariq
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, United States
| | - Muhammad Umar Kamal
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, United States
| | - Jasbir Makker
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, United States
| | - Sara Azam
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, United States
| | - Usman Ali Pirzada
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, United States
| | - Vaniza Mehak
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, United States
| | - Kishore Kumar
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, United States
| | - Harish Patel
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, NY 10457, United States
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Khalili M, Mosavi M, Diali HG, Mirza HN. Serologic survey for Coxiella burnetii phase II antibodies among slaughterhouse workers in Kerman, southeast of Iran. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4:S209-12. [PMID: 25183082 DOI: 10.12980/apjtb.4.2014c1268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the presence of antibodies against phase II among slaughterhouse workers in Kerman, southeast of Iran. METHODS The antibody titers of the serum samples were measured by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay using phase II Coxiella burnetii as the antigen [kit (Virion\Serion, Wurzburg, Germany) according to the manufacturer's protocol]. RESULTS The positive rate of IgG antibody was 68% in the slaughterhouse workers. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that slaughterhouse workers in Kerman area have a higher risk of infection and should consider potential infection with Coxiella burnetii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Khalili
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Morteza Mosavi
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
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