Abstract
The exposure to biocontaminants in animal facilities represents a risk for developing infectious, allergic and toxic diseases. The aim of this study was to determine what factors could be associated with a high level of exposure to biological agents through the measure and characterization of airborne fungi, bacteria, endotoxin, (1,3)-β-d-glucan and animal allergens. Airborne microorganisms were collected with an air sampler and identified by microscopic and biochemical methods. Endotoxin, (1,3)-β-d-glucan, Mus m 1, Rat n 1, Can f 1, Fel d 1, Equ c 4 allergens were detected on inhalable dust samples by Kinetic LAL, Glucatell, and ELISA assays, respectively. Our data evidenced that changing cages is a determinant factor in increasing the concentration of the airborne biocontaminants; the preparation of bedding and distribution of feed, performed in the storage area, is another critical working task in terms of exposure to endotoxins (210.7 EU/m3) and (1,3)-β-d-glucans (4.3 ng/m3). The highest concentration of Mus m 1 allergen (61.5 ng/m3) was observed in the dirty washing area. The detection of expositive peaks at risk of sensitization (>2 μg/g) by Fel d 1 in animal rooms shows passive transport by operators themselves, highlighting their role as vehicle between occupational and living environments.
Highlights
The exposure to biocontaminants is well documented and studied in several occupational settings, and few data are available in animal facilities, more attention has been addressed to animal allergens
Gram-negative concentrations were below the limit of detection (LOD) (2 CFU/m3 ) except for animal rooms, during the changing cages, and for the storage area where a mean value of 3 CFU/m3 was recorded
We found the highest concentration for Mus m 1 in the dirty washing area
Summary
The exposure to biocontaminants is well documented and studied in several occupational settings, and few data are available in animal facilities, more attention has been addressed to animal allergens. These biological agents are aeroallergens, mainly lipocalins, derived by different biological fluids and/or tissue (saliva, serum, urine, dander, hair, fur) that remain in suspension for different times in relation to meteorological conditions and factors influencing their dispersion [1,2]. Various papers have been published in scientific literature both as a review [22,23,24] and experimental studies [25,26,27] while in Italy the topic of LAA is not studied carefully yet
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