Risk factors associated with allergic sensitization and asthma phenotypes among poultry farm workers. Issue 6 (25th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ngajilo, Dorothy; Singh, Tanusha; Ratshikhopha, Edith; Dayal, Payal; Matuka, Onnicah; Baatjies, Roslynn; Jeebhay, Mohamed F.
• Is Part Of: American journal of industrial medicine. Volume 61:Issue 6(2018)
• Page Start: 515
• Page End: 523
• Publication Date: 2018-03-25
• Subjects: allergic sensitisation -- occupational asthma -- poultry; Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Médecine du travail -- Périodiques; 616.9803
• DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22841
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0271-3586

Abstract

Abstract : Background: This study investigated the risk factors for occupational allergic sensitization and various asthma phenotypes in poultry‐workers. Methods: A cross‐sectional study of 230 workers used a modified ECRHS questionnaire, spirometry, FeNO, Phadiatop, and sIgE to poultry farming related allergens. Results: Worker's mean age was 37 ± 9 years, 68% male, 43% current‐smokers, 34% atopic, and 5% casual‐workers. The prevalence of non‐atopic asthma (NAA = 7%) was higher than atopic‐asthma (AA = 5%) and probable allergic occupational‐asthma (OA = 3%). Sensitization to at least one poultry farming related allergen was 24%. Workers sensitized to chicken‐specific‐allergens were more likely to be atopic (ORunadj = 20.9, 95%CI: 4.7‐93.2) or employed as casual‐workers (ORunadj = 6.0, 95%CI: 1.1‐35.9). Work‐related chest symptoms were associated the rearing‐department (ORadj = 3.2, 95%CI: 1.2‐8.4) and exposure to high gas/dust/fumes (ORadj = 4.8, 95%CI: 2.4‐9.5). Airflow reversibility (ORadj = 10.9, 95%CI: 2.0‐60.3) was significantly associated with casual‐work status. Conclusion: Allergic and non‐allergic mechanisms play a role in asthma development among poultry‐workers with casual workers demonstrating increased risk.