Horse allergen sensitivity and respiratory symptoms among horse farm workers.
Abstract: Sensitivity and symptoms related to animal proteins have been investigated in various occupational groups. However, data from horse farm workers are limited. We aimed to determine horse allergen sensitivity in the horse farm workers, and to evaluate its relationship with respiratory symptoms and functional parameters. A total of 110 subjects were enrolled in the study. The study group consisted of 80 horse farm workers. Face-to-face surveys, skin prick tests (SPT), and pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed in the study group. Control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects. SPT and PFTs were also performed for control group. The SPT test results of the horse farm workers were compared with the SPT results provided from the medical records of 1376 subjects who admitted to the outpatient clinic with respiratory symptoms. Atopy rate was significantly higher in horse farm workers than in healthy subjects (41% and 13%, respectively; P = 0.008). Horse allergen sensitivity was positive 8/80 (10%) in horse farm workers, 0/30 in healthy subjects, and 32/1376 (2%) in medical records of subjects who were admitted to the outpatient clinic with respiratory symptoms. (P = 0.07, P = 0.001, respectively). There was no statistically significant relationship between respiratory symptoms and horse allergen sensitivity in horse farm workers (P = 0.67). However, mean FEV1 ratios were lower in horse farm workers with horse allergen sensitivity than healthy subjects (88.6% ± 17.9, 103.7 ± 10, P = 0.031, respectively). Atopy and animal allergen sensitization were significantly higher in horse farm workers, suggesting the relationship between the intensity of specific allergen exposure and the sensitization to this specific allergen.
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Publication Date: 2020-06-23 PubMed ID: 32394685PubMed Central: PMC7379458DOI: 10.3906/sag-1912-39Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research explores the link between sensitivity to horse allergens and respiratory symptoms among horse farm workers. The study indicates that this working group has a relatively higher risk of developing allergies from animal proteins due to their occupational exposure but identifies no direct relationship between these allergies and respiratory symptoms.
Study Design and Sampling
- The study involved 110 subjects, split into two groups. One group included horse farm workers (80 subjects), representing the focus of the study, while the other group comprised healthy subjects (30 subjects), serving as the control group.
- The researchers performed several tests on both groups, including face-to-face surveys, skin prick tests to identify any allergic reactions, and pulmonary functionality tests to assess the respiratory health of the participants.
Comparison with Additional Group
- In addition to the two sample groups, the researchers also examined the medical records of 1376 subjects who sought medical attention for respiratory symptoms at an outpatient clinic.
- This comparison aimed to assess if the rate of horse allergen sensitivity found among the farm workers was significantly higher than the general population.
Results of the Study
- Atopy, or the genetic predisposition to developing certain types of hypersensitivities, was significantly higher among the horse farm workers (41%) compared to the control group of healthy subjects (13%).
- Around 10% of horse farm workers showed sensitivity to horse allergens, compared to a null tally among the healthy subjects, and a rate of 2% among the general population seeking medical help for respiratory issues.
- However, there was no significant proof to suggest that respiratory symptoms among horse farm workers were directly related to horse allergen sensitivity.
- Interestingly, the mean ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), a measure of pulmonary function, was lower in horse farm workers with horse allergen sensitivity than in healthy subjects.
Conclusions
- The results significantly indicate that working in horse farms may increase the sensitivity towards certain allergens due to increased exposure.
- While a direct correlation between this sensitivity and respiratory issues wasn’t established, the study did flag potential respiratory health concerns for those sensitive to horse allergens, deduced from the lower FEV1 ratios found in such individuals.
- Ultimately, the study underscores the need for further investigation into potential health risks present in occupations involving high levels of allergen exposure.
Cite This Article
APA
Baran Ketencioğlu B, Yilmaz I, Tutar N, Gülmez I, Oymak FS.
(2020).
Horse allergen sensitivity and respiratory symptoms among horse farm workers.
Turk J Med Sci, 50(4), 910-916.
https://doi.org/10.3906/sag-1912-39 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Chest Diseases, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Division of Immunology and Allergy, Department of Chest Diseases, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Department of Chest Diseases, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Department of Chest Diseases, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
- Department of Chest Diseases, School of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
MeSH Terms
- Adult
- Allergens / immunology
- Animal Husbandry
- Animals
- Case-Control Studies
- Female
- Horses
- Humans
- Hypersensitivity / immunology
- Male
- Occupational Diseases / immunology
- Respiratory Function Tests
- Skin Tests
- Symptom Assessment
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare they have no conflict of interest.
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