Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study of Occupational Infection Risk With Zoonotic Pathogens in Austrian Veterinary Practitioners in the Year 2022

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis E virus (HEV), tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), West Nile virus (WNV), Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus, rabies virus, Echinococcus spp., Brucella spp., as well as the colonisation with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among Austrian veterinarians in dependence on their field of occupation, age, gender and, if applicable, the vaccination status.

A total of 293 Austrian veterinary practitioners were included in the study. All study participants had to fill in a questionnaire regarding personal details, field of occupation and vaccination status against TBEV and rabies. Furthermore, a nasal swab for detection of colonisation with MRSA and a blood sample were taken. Antibodies against HEV, TBEV, WNV, CCHF virus and Echinococcus spp. were analysed by ELISA tests. Antibodies against Brucella spp. were measured by complement fixation test. Rabies antibodies were analysed by virus neutralisation test. Most study participants were vaccinated against rabies (93.2%) and TBEV (94.3%). Accordingly, a high prevalence of TBEV antibodies was found (95.9%). HEV antibodies were detected in 11.3% of the study participants, with a significantly higher seroprevalence in the oldest age group (23.3%). MRSA colonisation was age-depended and significantly higher in study participants with occupational livestock exposure (10.3% vs. 2.2%). Hygienic measures such as hand washing and disinfection led to less MRSA colonisation. Antibodies against WNV were found in 3.1% of the study participants. No antibodies against Brucella spp., Echinococcus spp. and CCHF were detected.

Despite the limitations of the study design, the included veterinarians represent the Austrian average veterinarians regarding gender, age and field of occupation. The vaccination rate against TBEV and rabies was high. HEV seroprevalence was lower than in other studies, whereas MRSA colonisation rates and WNV seroprevalence were comparable to results of other European studies.