Risk factors associated with allergic sensitization and asthma phenotypes among poultry farm workers

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 (OR unadj  = 20.9, 95%CI: 4.7‐93.2) or employed as casual‐workers (OR unadj  = 6.0, 95%CI: 1.1‐35.9). Work‐related chest symptoms were associated the rearing‐department (OR adj  = 3.2, 95%CI: 1.2‐8.4) and exposure to high gas/dust/fumes (OR adj  = 4.8, 95%CI: 2.4‐9.5). Airflow reversibility (OR adj  = 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.