Pulmonary hypersensitivity to industrial enzymes is well recognized and presents a serious problem as these health effects are often severe and may be chronic. In addition, the amount of agents that induce a hypersensitivity response is often significantly lower than that which has led to sensitization.
RATIONALEThe working group defined its area of interest as exposure to nonpathogenic microorganisms and mites, exposure to substances of their vital activity (enzymes, fecal antigens, etc.), as well as exposures to proteins of animal origin. The possibility for mites to be vectors of pathogenic viruses, bacteria, or parasites and the effect of toxins transmitted by mites were also excluded.The exposure to the above agents is mostly encountered by farmers and agricultural workers, as well as those who handle agricultural products. These individuals are exposed to an organic dust, which contains high amounts of bacteria, fungi, mites, and animal allergens (epithelium, hair, feathers, proteins, excreta). Laboratory care workers are affected by a variety of agents, the most important of which is protein allergens. Biotechnology workers are exposed to microorganisms and their proteolytic enzymes; workers at sites with air humidification and sewage and compost workers are exposed to microorganisms.As the above-defined agents contain proteins of microbial and animal origin, they have different allergenicity and can sensitize the host when inhaled; this may cause allergic reactions and/or immunologically mediated diseases (rhinopharyngitis, asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis). Some bacterial species (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis) and mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) synthesize and Institute of Occupational Health (A.A.K.), Kiev, Ukraine.
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