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Updated: Aug 29, 2026
Collection and Extraction of Occupational Air Samples for Analysis of Fungal DNA
Published on: May 2, 2018
[Study on occupational respiratory diseases in fur-processing workers]
Jie Chen1, Zhenlin Liu, Huijuan Liu
1School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
Objective:
To study the respiratory system injury in fur processing environment.
Methods:
Environmental fungal survey was conducted in the fur processing procedures. Investigation of respiratory symptoms and chest X-ray examination were also carried out in 138 fur processing workers and 40 control workers. At the same time, the serum antibodies to fungi were analyzed by ELISA.
Results:
Fungal number(629-3,681 cfu/m3) in fur processing procedures was much higher than those in the control environment. Cladosporium and Alternaria were the leading strains of fungi in fur processing procedures. The rates of respiratory symptoms(cough, sputum, chest tightness, dyspnea, and fever) in fur processing workers were higher than those in the control workers. The rates of the symptoms in female workers were 37.9%, 28.4%, 10.5%, 22.1%, 4.2%, respectively. Abnormalities of chest X ray were found in 7 workers. The serum antibodies to Cladosporium and Alternaria(A450 nm 0.631, 0.724, respectively) in fur workers were significantly higher than those in the control workers(P < 0.05). The positive rates of the antibodies to Cladosporium and Alternaria(44.2%, 42.8%) were significantly higher than those in the control workers(P < 0.01).
Conclusion:
Cladosporium and Alternaria may be the pathogens of occupational respiratory diseases in fur processing workers.
Insights
Occupational exposure to fungi like Cladosporium and Alternaria in fur processing environments significantly increases respiratory symptoms and antibodies in workers. This suggests these fungi may cause occupational respiratory diseases.
Area of Science:
- Environmental microbiology
- Occupational health
- Mycology
Context:
- Fur processing environments harbor elevated fungal concentrations.
- Workers in fur processing exhibit higher rates of respiratory symptoms compared to controls.
Purpose:
- To investigate respiratory system injuries in fur processing workers.
- To identify potential fungal pathogens responsible for these injuries.
Summary:
- Fungal counts were significantly higher in fur processing areas, with Cladosporium and Alternaria being predominant.
- Fur workers showed increased respiratory symptoms and elevated serum antibodies to Cladosporium and Alternaria.
- Chest X-rays revealed abnormalities in 7 workers, indicating potential lung damage.
Impact:
- Highlights Cladosporium and Alternaria as potential causative agents of occupational respiratory diseases in the fur industry.
- Underscores the need for improved workplace safety measures and fungal exposure control in fur processing facilities.
