Biomedical subjects

Jacek Dutkiewicz

Publications and source records attributed to Jacek Dutkiewicz.

47 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

PubMed2002

Exposure to airborne microorganisms in furniture factories.

Microbiological air sampling was performed in 2 furniture factories located in eastern Poland. In one factory furniture were made from fibreboards and chipboards while in the other from beech wood. It was found that the concentration of total microorganisms (bacteria + fungi) in the air of the facility using beech wood for furniture production (mean 10.7 x (3) cfu/m(3), range 3.3 27.5 x (3) cfu/m(3)) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) compared to microbial concentration in the facility using fibre- and chipboards (mean 3.6 x (3) cfu/m(3), range 1.9-6.2 x (3) cfu/m(3)). On average, the commonest microorganisms in the air of the furniture factories were corynebacteria (Corynebacterium spp., Arthrobacter spp., Brevibacterium spp.) which formed 18.1-50.0% of the total airborne microflora, and fungi (mostly Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Absidia spp. and yeasts) which formed 6.2-54.4% of the total count. The values of the respirable fraction of airborne microflora in the furniture factories varied within fairly wide limits and were between 15.0-62.4%. Altogether, 28 species or genera of bacteria and 12 species or genera of fungi were identified in the air of examined factories, of which respectively 8 and 7 species or genera were reported as having allergenic and/or immunotoxic properties. In conclusion, the workers of furniture factories are exposed to relatively low concentrations of airborne microorganisms which do not exceed the suggested occupational exposure limits. Nevertheless, the presence of allergenic and/or immunotoxic microbial species in the air of factories poses a potential risk of respiratory disease, in particular in sensitive workers.

Absidia↗

PubMed2002

Response of furniture factory workers to work-related airborne allergens.

The aim of this work was to determine the reactivity of furniture factory workers to microbial allergens associated with wood dust. Allergological examinations by skin and precipitin tests were performed in 48 workers employed in a factory producing furniture from fibreboards and chipboards, and in 32 healthy urban dwellers not exposed to organic dusts (referents). The skin test was performed by the intradermal method with the saline extracts of the cultures of 3 microbial species (Rahnella sp., Arthrobacter globiformis, Aspergillus fumigatus) associated with wood dust. Skin reactions were recorded after 20 minutes, 8 hours and 24 hours and graded 1-4, depending on the diameter of the reaction. The agar-gel test for the presence of precipitins in serum was performed with the extracts of 15 microbial isolates. The furniture factory workers showed a high skin response to the extracts of environmental microbes. The frequency of early grade 2 reactions (diameter 10 mm) to the extract of Rahnella sp. was 64.6% among furniture workers, being significantly higher (p < 0.001) compared to reference group (18.7%). High frequencies of grade 2 reactions in furniture workers were also found with the extracts of A. globiformis and A. fumigatus (52.1% and 62.5%, respectively). The frequencies of grade 2 delayed (after 8 h) and late (after 24 h) reactions to Rahnella sp. in furniture workers were non-specifically high (97.9%/93.7%) while the response rates to A. globiformis and A. fumigatus were much lower (10.4%/25.0%, and 4.2%/37.5%, respectively). In agar-gel test for detection of precipitins, in most cases very low percentages of positive reactions (0-2.1%) were noted in furniture factory workers. The only exception was a high percentage of positive reactions (27.1%) to the antigen of Pseudomonas maltophilia, which was significantly greater in furniture workers compared to the reference group (p < 0.01). The obtained results suggest that early allergic reactions to microorganisms associated with wood dust are common among workers of furniture industry, which may increase a potential risk of work-related disease in this occupational group.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Work-related symptoms among furniture factory workers in Lublin region (eastern Poland).

48 woodworkers employed in the furniture factory were examined. The control group consisted of 41 office workers with no exposure to organic dust. The examination included: interview on work-related symptoms, physical examination, and lung function test performed before and after the working-day. 38 out of 48 (79.2%) woodworkers reported work-related symptoms. The most common complaint was dry cough reported by 25 workers (52.1%), followed by general malaise -- reported by 17 (35.45%), conjunctivitis -- by 16 (33.3%), rhinitis - by 16 (33.3%), and skin symptoms by 16 (33.3%). Other symptoms such as headache, shortness of breath and chest pain occurred less frequently. Subjects working in initial processing and board processing departments had a higher prevalence of cough compared to workers employed in the varnishing department (p < 0.01). The prevalence of skin symptoms was significantly higher in board processing and varnishing departments compared to initial processing department (p < 0.05). Occupational asthma and allergic alveolitis were recorded in 3 out of 48 (6.2%) and 2 out of 48 (4.2%) workers, respectively. Baseline FVC and FEV(1) values were lower in woodworkers compared to controls (p < 0.01). The increased lung function parameters (FVC, FEV(1)) were observed in woodworkers who smoked compared to non-smokers. The difference was not statistically significant. There was a significant over-shift decrease of all measured spirometric values: FVC, FEV(1)), FEV(1)) /VC, PEF among woodworkers (p < 0.001). There was a significant pre-shift, post-shift decline in FVC, FEV(1)), FVC/FEV(1)), and PEF among workers under 30 years of age (p < 0.001). The same tendency was seen for FVC and FEV(1)) in subjects over 30. The percentage changes in FVC and FEV(1)) were greater in the group of younger workers (15.1% and 17.6%) respectively, than in the group of older subject (6.2%, 7.1%). The difference was not statistically significant.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Study on the occurrence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in ticks collected in Lublin region (eastern Poland).

In 114 Ixodes ricinus ticks from 1 district of Lublin region (eastern Poland) examined by dark field microscopy method, the presence of motile spirochetes, morphologically corresponding to Borrelia species was detected in 8.8% of the total examined ticks. The highest infection rate was noted among females (16.7%), much lower in males (7.1%) and nymphs (4.0%). Examination of 550 ticks collected from 3 districts of the Lublin region by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that 5.3% of the total number of ticks were infected with Borrelia spirochetes. The highest rates of Borrelia infection were observed in Ixodes ricinus ticks from the Zamość and Lublin districts (9.6% and 4.7% respectively). In the Włodawa district, only 2.4% ticks showed the presence of Borrelia DNA. In contrast to the results obtained by dark field microscopy method, the highest infection rate was noted in males (11.2%), followed by females (6.9%) and nymphs (1.7%). 57 Ixodes ricinus ticks collected from 3 Lublin districts (Lubartów, Lublin, Radzyń Podlaski) were tested for the presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) by the inoculation of 5-week-old Swiss mice, followed by blind passages and inoculation of GMK cell culture with brain suspension of the infected mice. One strain of TBEV was isolated from a pool of 24 I. ricinus ticks collected from the Radzyń Podlaski district. The minimum infection rate of ticks from this district with TBEV was estimated as 4.2%, and in the total area of Lublin region estimated as 1.8%.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Allergic contact urticaria and rhinitis to roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in a hunter.

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is one of the most common game mammals in Europe, where hundreds of thousands people are exposed to this animal. Despite this fact, we are aware of only two cases of allergy to roe deer published until recently, one case of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma and the second of contact urticaria. We describe another case with co-existing allergic contact urticaria and rhinitis in a 55-year old male professional hunter. The symptoms were provoked only by exposure to roe deer, and there were no other past or present allergic diseases. Specific IgE was found to following animal allergens: cow dander (CAP class 5), goat epithelium and horse dander (each CAP class 4), dog epithelium, dog dander and swine epithelium (each CAP class 2). Skin prick tests have shown positive reaction only to cow epithelium (+). Because of lack of deer dander allergen for specific IgE and skin tests, we have confirmed the causal relationship between exposure to roe deer and allergy using the rub test with roe deer's fur. There was a clearly positive urticarial reaction on the patient's skin accompanied by nasal itch, sneezing and rhinorrhea. No reaction was seen in a control person. We surmise that the positive tests with cow epithelium seen in this patient may result from a cross-reactivity to deer allergens. We conclude that although occupational allergies to roe deer seem to be rare, such possibility should be always considered among people having contact with these animals.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Exposure to airborne microorganisms and endotoxin in a potato processing plant.

Microbiological air sampling was performed in a big potato processing plant located in eastern Poland. Air samples for determination of concentrations of microorganisms, dust and endotoxin were collected at 6 sites in the division producing potato flakes and meal from dried potato pulp and at 2 sites in the division producing potato syrup from imported starch. The concentrations of total airborne microorganisms were within a range of 28.3-93.1 x 10(3) cfu/m(3). Mesophilic bacteria were dominant at all sampling sites, forming 73.1-98.8% of the total count. Among them, distinctly prevailed corynebacteria (irregular Gram-positive rods) that accounted for 54.3-81.1% of the total airborne microflora. The most common were strains of Corynebacterium spp., followed by strains of Arthrobacter spp., Microbacterium spp., and Agromyces ramosus. The latter species, so far not reported from the air of occupational environments, abundantly develops in the parenchyma of potato tubers. Its airborne concentration increased rapidly after peeling of potatoes, and attained maximal values at cutting and blanching (steaming and sulfuration) of potatoes, and at sacking of potato meal. The proportions of Gram-negative bacteria and endospore-forming bacilli were low, respectively 0.6-7.6% and 2.0-8.1% of total count. Fungi constituted 1.2-26.9% of total count. The dominant species was Aspergillus niger that formed 99.8% of total airborne fungi. The values of the respirable fraction of airborne microflora varied between 25.3-73.2%. The concentrations of airborne dust were 1.4-26.6 mg/m(3) in the division producing potato flakes and meal and 114.9-200.5 mg/m(3) at pouring of potato and corn starch for syrup. The concentrations of airborne endotoxin were in the range of 0.011-0.089 microg/m(3) during the initial stages of potato processing (unloading, washing, peeling) and drastically increased after blanching to the extraordinarily high levels of 45.9-1893.9 microg/m(3). At pouring of starch for syrup, the concentrations of airborne endotoxin were much lower, within a range of 0.029-0.156 microg/m(3). In conclusion, the workers of potato processing facilities could be exposed to large concentrations of microorganisms, dust and endotoxin posing a risk of work-related respiratory disease.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗

PubMed2002

Precipitin response of potato processing workers to work-related microbial allergens.

Serum samples from 61 potato processing workers and 30 urban dwellers not exposed to organic dusts (as a reference group) were examined in agar-gel precipitation test performed by Ouchterlony double diffusion method with the antigens of 12 microorganisms associated with organic dusts. Each serum was tested twice: not concentrated, and three-fold concentrated, for the detection of low levels of precipitins. The antibody response of workers to the antigen of coryneform bacterium Agromyces ramosus was high, at both not concentrated and 3-fold concentrated sera (respectively 29.5% and 45.9%)--significantly greater than in reference group (p < 0.001). Workers' response to the antigens of Gram-negative bacterium Alcaligenes faecalis and thermophilic actinomycete Thermoactinomyces vulgaris was lower (respectively 13.1% and 13.1% at not concentrated sera, 24.6% and 29.5% at 3-fold concentrated sera) but in all cases significantly greater than in reference group (p < 0.05 at not concentrated sera, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 at 3-fold concentrated sera). The frequency of positive precipitin reactions of potato workers to antigen of Penicillium citrinum was high only at 3-fold concentrated sera (55.7%)--significantly higher compared to reference group (p < 0.001). The antibody response of potato workers to other antigens was either unspecific or low, showing no significant difference compared to reference group. Twenty eight out of 61 examined potato processing workers (45.9%) reported the occurrence of the work-related pulmonary symptoms. The frequency of positive precipitin reactions to Agromyces ramosus, Alcaligenes faecalis, Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, Penicillium citrinum and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus was significantly greater in the subgroup of 28 workers reporting work-related pulmonary symptoms compared to 33 asymptomatic workers (p < 0.05). Study results suggest that antigens of Agromyces ramosus, Alcaligenes faecalis, Thermoactinomyces vulgaris and Penicillium citrinum should be considered as potential occupational allergens, probably stimulating an adverse immunopathological reaction in the exposed potato processing workers.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

The effects of exposure to organic dust on the respiratory system of potato processing workers.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate lung function and the prevalence of work-related symptoms in workers of a potato processing plant located in Lublin region (eastern Poland). The study group comprised 61 workers employed in 2 departments. The examination included: physician-administrated questionnaire on occurrence of work-related symptoms, occupational history and smoking habits. Spirometry was performed before (7:00-8:00) and after (16:00-17:00) the morning shift. Altogether 41/61 (67.2%) subjects reported at least one symptom associated with their job. Pulmonary symptoms were recorded in 28/61 (45.9%) subjects. The most commonly recorded complaints were: cough (44.3%), hoarseness (19.7%), shortness of breath (18%), followed by headache and skin lesion (13.1% each), and eye and nose irritation (11.5%). The prevalence of work-related symptoms (except for eye and nose irritation) was higher in the group of subjects working longer than 4 years (the difference was statistically significant only for skin lesion). Among non-smoking workers a significantly higher prevalence of headache was seen compared to smokers (Fisher's test, p < 0.05). Smokers complained more frequently of respiratory symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness and chest pain. The difference was significant only for cough (p < 0.05). A statistically significant over-shift decline in all measured spirometric values: FVC, FEV(1) (p < 0.001), FEV(1)/VC (p < 0.05), PEF (p < 0.01) was observed.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Occupational airborne and hand dermatitis to hop (Humulus lupulus) with non-occupational relapses.

We report a case of a 57-years-old female farmer with occupational airborne dermatitis and hand dermatitis to hop (Humulus lupulus). The disease appeared at the age of 46, after 30 years of working with hop without any health problems. The patient had skin erythema of the face, neck and décolleté , oedema of the eyelids, conjunctivitis, as well as acute dermatitis of the hands. The symptoms were provoked both by fresh and dried hop, appeared after half-an-hour of working and persisted over 1-2 days. There were no other skin or allergic problems. Skin tests were carried out with hop leaves (saline extract: prick positive, patch negative; glycerol extract: prick positive, patch negative) and hop cones (saline extract: prick positive, patch negative; glycerol extract: prick negative, patch positive after 48 and 72 hours). Despite discontinuing work, the patient experienced several relapses of her dermatitis. We identified new sources of hop allergens: a beauty cream and a herbal sedative, both containing hop extract. During the next hop cultivation period it also turned out that sleeping in one bed with her husband was provoking relapses of the patient's dermatitis. The husband admitted that sometimes he felt too tired to wash thoroughly after working on the plantation. Our case shows that connubial contacts with husband working in the same workplace may cause relapses of occupational dermatitis. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the concurrent occupational and connubial dermatitis to hop.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗

PubMed2002

Legionella in sprinkling water as a potential occupational risk factor for gardeners.

To study a possibility of infection with Legionella at gardening by inhaling of water aerosolized at sprinkling of plants, samples of tap water used for sprinkling of plants grown in outdoor gardens and in greenhouses in the Lublin province (eastern Poland) were examined for the presence of Legionella, along with the samples of soil, artificial medium and air collected in modern greenhouses. The strains of Legionella were isolated from 8 out of 36 samples of water (22.2%) collected from outdoor taps used for sprinkling plants cultivated in outdoor gardens, and from 5 out of 20 samples of water (25.0%) collected from indoor taps used for sprinkling of plants cultivated in traditional greenhouses or foil tunnels. Both in the samples collected from outdoor and indoor taps Legionella pneumophila 2-14 was more common than Legionella spp. (respectively 13.9% vs. 8.3%, and 15.0% vs. 10.0%). No legionellae were found in 18 samples of tap water, 14 samples of soil, 14 samples of artificial medium or 6 samples of air collected in modern greenhouses. The results of this preliminary study suggest that water aerosolized at sprinkling of plants represents a potential source of Legionella infection among gardeners.

Agricultural Workers' Diseases↗

PubMed1999

Size distribution of bacterial and fungal bioaerosols in indoor air.

The aim of this study was to determine the size distribution of bacteria and fungi occurring in the air of human dwellings. The concentration and size distribution of particulate aerosol, Gram-positive mesophilic bacteria, Gram-negative mesophilic bacteria and fungi were examined in 60 flats situated in the Upper Silesia conurbation, southern Poland. The investigated flats comprised three quantitatively equal (20 flats each) groups: flats without additional emission sources of particulate aerosol and microorganisms (Group I), flats with persons who smoke at least one packet of cigarettes per day (Group II), and flats located near steelworks (Group III). The concentrations of four fractions of particulate aerosol were measured by Harvard impactors (PM 2.5 and PM 10) as well as by cyclone HD and 37 mm filter disc holder (PM 5 and TSP). The concentrations of bacteria and fungi were measured by a particle-sizing six-stage Graseby-Andersen impactor. It was found that the concentrations of particulate aerosol in examined flats were below 0.6 mg/m.(3) and the concentrations of microorganisms were below the level of 10(4) cfu/m.(3). The dominant bacteria present in the air of examined dwellings (Micrococcus/Kocuria spp., Staphylococcus spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonadaceae, Aeromonas spp., Nocardia spp.) occurred mostly as single particles in the dwellings without additional emission sources, while in the air of dwellings inhabited by tobacco smokers, they often formed aggregates composed of bacterial and dust particles. The fungi dominant in the air of examined dwellings (Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., yeasts) occurred mostly as single particles.

Aerosols↗