Animal Allergens, Endotoxin, and β-(1,3)-Glucan in Small Animal Practices: Exposure Levels at Work and in Homes of Veterinary Staff

Abstract

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.

Mammalian derived lipocalin and secretoglobin respiratory allergens strongly bind ligands with potentially immune modulating properties

“…Recombinant proteins were produced in Escherichia coli as previously described for Ory c 3 [UniProtKB accession number (AC): Q9GK63 (chain 1) + Q9GK67 (chain 2)], Cav p 1.0101 (AC: A0A484HM70) and Cav p 1.0201 (AC: A0A484HRI4) ( 33 ), Fel d 4 (AC: Q5VFH6) and Can f 6 (AC: H2B3G5) ( 34 ), and Fel d 1 [AC: P30438 (chain 1) + P30440 (chain 2)] ( 35 ). Synthetic cDNA sequences coding for the mature proteins Can f 1 (AC: O18873), LCN1 (AC: P31025) and Ory c 2 (GenBank AC: ON098933) followed by a 6 histidine tag were cloned into vector pEX-A128 by Eurofins (Munich, Germany) and subcloned into vector pET-21d(+) for expression in the E.coli strain Rosetta-gami™ 2(DE3) (Novagen ® by Merck, Darmstadt, Germany) and purified as described ( 33 ). Briefly, the recombinant proteins were purified by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (HisTrap HP, GE Healthcare, Buckinghamshire, UK) under native conditions followed by anion exchange using a Resource Q column (GE Healthcare) and a linear gradient of 0–500 mM NaCl in 20 mM TRIS-HCl, pH 7.2.…”

Upper and lower respiratory airway complaints among female veterinary staff

“…According to the questionnaire, a large fraction of the participants in our study (81.7%) stated that they had private contact with animals, especially dogs (51.4%), cats (43.1%), and horses (28.4%). Data collected in our study on allergen exposure at the workplace and at home have already been published separately (Zahradnik et al 2021 ).…”

“…It could be speculated that individuals with an interest in health and pre-existing health problems in particular participated. Furthermore, it was important to recruit participants who worked in practices where the collection of airborne dust samples for allergen measurement was also possible (results published in Zahradnik et al 2021 ). This again required the consent of the practice owners.…”

“…The main objective of this cross-sectional study conducted on veterinary staff was to evaluate self-reported respiratory symptoms and diseases, and serologically based sensitization. In addition, exposure assessment was included as part of the study design, and performed in the rooms of each practice, as well as the private homes of the participants, as described separately in detail (Zahradnik et al 2021 ). Our examinations provide relevant information about upper and lower respiratory symptoms, which do not necessarily have to be associated with an allergic disease, taking into account the duration of the professional activity and the individual predisposition to atopy.…”

Skin symptoms in veterinary assistant staff and veterinarians: A cross‐sectional study

“…To address this group, we conducted a cross-sectional study on veterinary staff, the majority of whom were veterinary assistants (90%), to assess respiratory and skin health problems, including sensitization and exposure measurement. 7,8 Here, we focus on the prevalence of skin symptoms, particularly self-reported HE, its predisposing factors and related skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis (AD), contact urticaria (CU) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).…”