Specific immune response to occupational antigens in asymptomatic egg processing workers.
BACKGROUND
Hen's egg proteins are known sensitizers and may cause occupational respiratory diseases in exposed workers. The study was conducted in order to ascertain the prevalence of sensitization to work-related antigens in asymptomatic egg processing factory workers.


METHODS
Clinical history, respiratory function, atopy and the presence of specific antibodies to environmental and occupational antigens were evaluated in 77 workers. A total of 116 unexposed and non-professionally exposed controls were also studied. The antigen concentration of the factory environment was measured.


RESULTS
Specific IgE and precipitin positivity to egg components was more frequently present in workers than in the two control groups. The egg white protein concentration was higher in the egg breaking area.


CONCLUSIONS
The avian proteins inhaled induced immune responses to occupational antigens in asymptomatic, professionally exposed subjects. Measures to decrease environmental antigen concentrations and thorough clinical monitoring of sensitized workers are advocated.
Zanoni
Giovanna
G
Department of Pathology, Section of Immunology, University of Verona, 37134, Italy. giovanna.zanoni@univr.it
Martini
Silvia
S
Zedde
Antonio
A
Pagani
Mauro
M
Guarnieri
Annalisa
A
Tridente
Giuseppe
G
Romeo
Luciano
L
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D021181:Egg Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004527:Egg Proteins / Q000276:immunology; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005260:Female; D005511:Food Handling; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011234:Precipitins / Q000097:blood; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D004527:Egg Proteins; D011234:Precipitins; D007073:Immunoglobulin E