Epidemiologic Investigation of Two Welder’s Anthrax Cases Caused by Bacillus cereus Group Bacteria: Occupational Link Established by Environmental Detection

Abstract

Bacillus cereus group bacteria containing the anthrax toxin genes can cause fatal anthrax pneumonia in welders. Two welder’s anthrax cases identified in 2020 were investigated to determine the source of each patient’s exposure. Environmental sampling was performed at locations where each patient had recent exposure to soil and dust. Samples were tested for the anthrax toxin genes by real-time PCR, and culture was performed on positive samples to identify whether any environmental isolates matched the patient’s clinical isolate. A total of 185 environmental samples were collected in investigation A for patient A and 108 samples in investigation B for patient B. All samples from investigation B were real-time PCR-negative, but 14 (8%) samples from investigation A were positive, including 10 from patient A’s worksite and 4 from his work-related clothing and gear. An isolate genetically matching the one recovered from patient A was successfully cultured from a worksite soil sample. All welder’s anthrax cases should be investigated to determine the source of exposure, which may be linked to their worksite. Welding and metalworking employers should consider conducting a workplace hazard assessment and implementing controls to reduce the risk of occupationally associated illnesses including welder’s anthrax.

Pathogenic Bacilli as an Emerging Biothreat?

“…Among these seven welder’s anthrax cases, only two survived and five died, suggesting a high fatality rate. A large environmental investigation of the last two cases in 2020 have been recently published, showing for at least one of the two cases that the bacteria were widespread at the occupational site, an outdoor oil tank [ 45 ]. The bacteria were found in soil and dust in multiple locations across the patient’s worksite.…”