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Machine operator's lung outbreak due to Eikenella corrodens
S Perečinský1, L Murínová1, J Tomčová1
1Department of Occupational Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Medical Faculty, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University and the L. Pasteur University Hospital, Rastislavova, Kosice, Slovak Republic.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|August 6, 2022
Summary
This study details a large hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) outbreak linked to metalworking fluids (MWFs) in Slovakia. Eikenella corrodens and Bacillus subtilis were identified as potential triggers for HP in affected workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) outbreaks are frequently associated with metalworking fluids (MWFs) due to microbiological contamination.
- While outbreaks are reported globally, Central European cases remain underrepresented in literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document a significant outbreak of MWF-associated HP in the Slovak Republic.
- To identify specific microbial antigens implicated in the outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Clinical evaluation of affected workers, including symptom history, lung function tests, and biopsies.
- Microbiological analysis of MWF samples to isolate bacteria and fungi.
- Serological testing to identify worker responses to isolated microbial antigens.
Main Results:
- Diagnosed HP in 27 workers (21 men, 6 women) with work-related respiratory symptoms and abnormal lung function.
- Interstitial lung disease observed in 24 cases, with 4 progressing to fibrotic HP.
- Nineteen microbial isolates identified; Eikenella corrodens and Bacillus subtilis showed the highest reactivity in 25 affected workers.
Conclusions:
- This investigation reports one of Europe's largest MWF-associated HP outbreaks, highlighting the need for vigilance in Central Europe.
- Eikenella corrodens, identified in MWF, warrants further research regarding its role in HP pathogenesis.
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