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Factors influencing the microbial composition of metalworking fluids and potential implications for machine

Jean-Benjamin Murat1, Frédéric Grenouillet, Gabriel Reboux

  • 1Department of Mycology, University Hospital of Besançon, Besançon, France.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|November 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or machine operator's lung, is linked to metalworking fluids (MWFs). Different MWF compositions and metals influence microbial growth, impacting disease risk.

Area of Science:

  • Occupational Health
  • Environmental Microbiology
  • Industrial Hygiene

Background:

  • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), known as machine operator's lung (MOL), is associated with microbial contamination in metalworking fluids (MWFs).
  • Mycobacterium immunogenum is a key pathogen implicated in MOL cases linked to MWFs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the microbiological contamination of MWFs in various industrial settings.
  • To identify chemical, physical, and environmental factors associated with distinct MWF microbial profiles and MOL risk.

Main Methods:

  • Microbiological analysis of 180 MWF samples from nonautomotive plants and 165 from automotive plants with confirmed MOL cases.
  • Correlation analysis of microbial findings with MWF composition (metals, oil type) and industry type.

Main Results:

  • Two distinct MWF microbial biomes were identified: Gram-negative rods (GNR) in nonautomotive settings (low MOL risk) and Gram-positive rods (GPR) in automotive settings (high MOL risk).
  • Mycobacterium immunogenum was highly prevalent (up to 38%) in automotive MWFs associated with MOL.
  • Metal content (chromium, nickel, iron) correlated with GNR, while their absence correlated with GPR. Synthetic MWFs were often sterile; vegetable oil-based emulsions favored GNR, and mineral-based ones favored GPR.

Conclusions:

  • Metal types and MWF base composition significantly influence microbial contamination patterns.
  • These factors are critical in determining the risk of developing hypersensitivity pneumonitis in machine operators.
  • Further in vitro studies are recommended to investigate microbial interactions and their role in MWF contamination.

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