Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study of Occupational Infection Risk With Zoonotic Pathogens in Austrian Veterinary...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Veterinarians are at risk of zoonotic disease exposure.
• Understanding pathogen prevalence in veterinary professionals is crucial for occupational health.
• Previous data on specific pathogen exposure in Austrian veterinarians is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against hepatitis E virus (HEV), tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West Nile virus (WNV), Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus, and rabies virus.
• To assess the prevalence of Echinococcus spp. and Brucella spp. infections.
• To determine the colonization rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among Austrian veterinarians.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 293 Austrian veterinary practitioners.
• Questionnaires collected data on demographics, occupation, and vaccination status.
• Serological tests (ELISA, complement fixation, virus neutralization) were used to detect antibodies.
• Nasal swabs were analyzed for MRSA colonization.

Main Results:

• High vaccination rates for TBEV (94.3%) and rabies (93.2%) were observed.
• TBEV antibody prevalence was high (95.9%).
• HEV antibodies were found in 11.3% (higher in older veterinarians), WNV in 3.1%.
• MRSA colonization was 10.3% in livestock-exposed vets versus 2.2% in others, linked to hygiene practices.
• No antibodies against Brucella spp., Echinococcus spp., or CCHF were detected.

Conclusions:

• Austrian veterinarians exhibit high vaccination coverage against TBEV and rabies.
• Observed HEV seroprevalence was lower than in some international studies.
• MRSA colonization and WNV seroprevalence rates are consistent with other European findings.
• Occupational exposure and hygiene practices significantly influence MRSA colonization.