Laboratory animal allergy reduction from 2001 to 2016: An intervention study

Abstract

Exposure to laboratory animals (LA) can cause allergic sensitization and symptoms as rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, anaphylaxis and dermatitis. In 2000, a program was instituted at Trieste Universities to decrease LA allergy among scientists and technicians working with animals. The aim of our study was to investigate LA allergy in workers exposed to LA from 2001 to 2016, and to verify the effects of a preventive program. Four hundred sixty seven people underwent pre-employment screening for a job with laboratory animals at Universities of Trieste consisting in a medical examination, a full respiratory and allergy anamnesis, using a standardized questionnaire, skin prick test with common and occupational allergens, and spirometry. Every year, each worker repeated the medical examination and underwent again tests and questionnaire. Each worker can ask for a medical examination and skin prick test, in case of unset of symptoms. Logistic multivariate analysis and generalized equation estimation were use, to verify factors associated to LA allergy. Sensitization to LA decreased in years, going from 25.6% in 2001-2004 to 8.2% in 2013-2016 (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed the role of atopy by prick test (OR = 6; IC95% 2.2-16.6), of common allergic symptoms (OR = 2.9; IC95% 1.4-6.39) and of calendar periods. No association was found between LA allergy, years, and hours of exposure. Our study demonstrated a significant reduction of LA allergy after the application of a preventive program.

How Working Tasks Influence Biocontamination in an Animal Facility

“…Exposure to biocontaminants in animal facilities in USA and in the United Kingdom has received great attention [16][17][18][19] as demonstrated by the NIOSH publication in 1998 [20], where the so-called LAA (Laboratory Animal Allergy) was considered an occupational risk, and by Gordon in 2001 [21]. 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.…”

Prevention of Laboratory Animal Allergy and Impact of COVID-19 on Prevention Programs in the United States

“…11 However, there is a large evidence base with numerous publications that supports best practice recommendations. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] The use of administrative, engineering, and work practice controls along with PPE (including respiratory protection) has long been recommended for minimizing exposure to laboratory animal allergens. 2,4,12 As no known safe level of allergen concentration exists, organizations should strive to maintain allergen concentrations as low as feasible.…”

Pollen and Fungal Spores Evaluation in Relation to Occupants and Microclimate in Indoor Workplaces

“…Pollen and fungal spores are components of bioaerosols, and their role in workplaces is still little studied [21,25,32,[64][65][66]. Some features of occupational allergies need to be investigated through cohort studies [67], evaluating the effects of preventive programs and supporting aerobiological monitoring as an important tool to take into account to enhance occupational health [68][69][70].…”