Comprehensive assessment of occupational exposure to microbial contamination in waste sorting facilities from Norway.
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ABSTRACT: Introduction
It is of upmost importance to contribute to fill the knowledge gap concerning the characterization of the occupational exposure to microbial agents in the waste sorting setting (automated and manual sorting).Methods
This study intends to apply a comprehensive field sampling and laboratory protocol (culture based-methods and molecular tools), assess fungal azole resistance, as well as to elucidate on potential exposure related health effects (cytotoxicity analyses). Skin-biota samples (eSwabs) were performed on workers and controls to identify other exposure routes.Results
In personal filter samples the guidelines in one automated industry surpassed the guidelines for fungi. Seasonal influence on viable microbial contamination including fungi with reduced susceptibility to the tested azoles was observed, besides the observed reduced susceptibility of pathogens of critical priority (Mucorales and Fusarium sp.). Aspergillus sections with potential toxigenic effect and with clinical relevance were also detected in all the sampling methods.Discussion
The results regarding skin-biota in both controls´ and workers´ hands claim attention for the possible exposure due to hand to face/mouth contact. This study allowed concluding that working in automated and manual waste sorting plants imply high exposure to microbial agents.
SUBMITTER: Viegas C
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10766354 | biostudies-literature | 2023
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Publications
Comprehensive assessment of occupational exposure to microbial contamination in waste sorting facilities from Norway.
Viegas Carla C Eriksen Elke E Gomes Bianca B Dias Marta M Cervantes Renata R Pena Pedro P Carolino Elisabete E Twarużek Magdalena M Caetano Liliana Aranha LA Viegas Susana S Graff Pål P Afanou Anani Komlavi AK Straumfors Anne A
Frontiers in public health 20231219
<h4>Introduction</h4>It is of upmost importance to contribute to fill the knowledge gap concerning the characterization of the occupational exposure to microbial agents in the waste sorting setting (automated and manual sorting).<h4>Methods</h4>This study intends to apply a comprehensive field sampling and laboratory protocol (culture based-methods and molecular tools), assess fungal azole resistance, as well as to elucidate on potential exposure related health effects (cytotoxicity analyses). S ...[more]
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