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Risk factors associated with allergic sensitization and asthma phenotypes among poultry farm workers
Author(s) -
Ngajilo Dorothy,
Singh Tanusha,
Ratshikhopha Edith,
Dayal Payal,
Matuka Onnicah,
Baatjies Roslynn,
Jeebhay Mohamed F.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
american journal of industrial medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.7
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1097-0274
pISSN - 0271-3586
DOI - 10.1002/ajim.22841
Subject(s) - medicine , asthma , casual , spirometry , sensitization , allergy , occupational asthma , atopy , cross sectional study , immunology , occupational medicine , environmental health , occupational exposure , pathology , materials science , composite material
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.