Increased risk of A(H1N1)pdm09 influenza infection in UK pig industry workers compared to a general population cohort.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pigs are mixing vessels for influenza viral reassortment, but the extent of influenza transmission between swine and humans is not well understood.

Objectives

To assess whether occupational exposure to pigs is a risk factor for human infection with human and swine-adapted influenza viruses.

Methods

UK pig industry workers were frequency-matched on age, region, sampling month, and gender with a community-based comparison group from the Flu Watch study. HI assays quantified antibodies for swine and human A(H1) and A(H3) influenza viruses (titres ≥ 40 considered seropositive and indicative of infection). Virus-specific associations between seropositivity and occupational pig exposure were examined using multivariable regression models adjusted for vaccination.

SUBMITTER: Fragaszy E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4910179 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature