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Laboratory exposure to Brucella melitensis in Denmark: a prospective study
A Knudsen1, G Kronborg, J Dahl Knudsen
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.
Abstract:
Brucella species are a frequent cause of laboratory-acquired infections. This report describes the handling of a laboratory exposure of 17 laboratory staff members exposed to Brucella melitensis in a large microbiology laboratory in a brucella-non-endemic area. We followed the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, but, of 14 staff members classified as high-risk exposure, none accepted post-exposure prophylaxis. However, in a period of 6 months of follow-up, none of the exposed laboratory workers developed brucellosis and all obtained sera were negative for antibrucella antibodies. We therefore question the value of routine serological follow-up.
Insights
Laboratory staff exposed to Brucella melitensis did not develop brucellosis, even without post-exposure prophylaxis. This study questions the necessity of routine serological follow-up for Brucella laboratory exposures.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Brucella species are a significant cause of laboratory-acquired infections.
- Brucella melitensis poses a risk in clinical and research microbiology settings.
Observation:
- A cohort of 17 laboratory staff experienced exposure to Brucella melitensis.
- Despite high-risk classification, none of the 14 exposed staff accepted post-exposure prophylaxis.
Findings:
- No brucellosis cases were observed among the 17 exposed laboratory workers during a 6-month follow-up period.
- All sera collected from exposed individuals tested negative for anti-Brucella antibodies.
Implications:
- The findings suggest that routine serological follow-up may not be essential for all Brucella laboratory exposures.
- This challenges current guidelines and warrants re-evaluation of post-exposure management protocols for Brucella.
- Further research could refine risk assessment and management strategies for laboratory personnel handling Brucella species.
