Coxiella burnetii is the etiological agent of Q fever, and outbreaks of Q fever have been reported in different parts of Europe both in animals and humans. Human infections are mostly associated with infections in ruminants, e.g., sheep, goats, and cows. Various professional groups are occupationally exposed to infection with C. burnetii. The aim of this study was investigate the prevalence of C. burnetii in farm workers. Serum samples were collected from 151 persons from six different regions of Poland. The serum samples were tested using three serological methods-complement fixation test (CFT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA). A total of 71 samples of blood were also tested by real-time PCR. The results showed that antibodies against C. burnetii were present in the tested sera. Average percentages of seropositive samples in IFA, ELISA, and CFT were 31.12%, 39.07%, and 15.23%, respectively. Positive results were noted in each testing center. Of the three test types, IFA results were considered the most sensitive. Real-time PCR confirmed the presence of DNA specific for C. burnetii in 10 patients. The farming workforce constitutes an occupational risk group with an increased risk for C. burnetii infection, presumably because of their contact with infected livestock.
The hosts of Hantavirus are rodents, while they are transmitted to humans via aerosol, or by direct contact with them. The primary goal of the study was evaluation of the state of health of forestry workers by laboratory diagnosis of the diseases caused by Hantavirus Dobrava/Hantaan. The study covered a group of 820 randomly selected employees of the State Forests from 32 Forest Districts located in the area of the whole of Poland. The results of the study show that the largest number of positive results were registered in the Augustów Forest District -3 cases (10%), and in Piotrków Trybunalski -3 cases (11.5%). For the whole of Poland, 25 seropositive results were noted (3%) and 76 results were doubtful (9.3%). The results of the conducted study suggest the occurrence of Hantavirus Dobrava in large forest complexes on the territory of Poland. People residing and working in these areas are exposed to infection, and this exposure seems to be comparable with data from other countries.
In an era in which cosmetics are commonly used, their often prolonged contact with the human body should determine the safety of their use. Often cosmetics are the cause of many side effects, mainly hypersensitivity reactions. Common groups of cosmetic components responsible for side effects are fragrances, preservatives and dyes. This paper focuses on the most allergenic components.
Introduction. Employees performing work underground in coal mines are exposed to the effect of many hazardous factors in their work environment which negatively affect their health. Objective. The objective of the study was to recognize the opinions of employes working underground in one of the coal mines concerning the occurrence of factors hazardous for health in their work environment. Materials and method. The study was conducted in a group of 700 persons working underground in the 'Bogdanka' coal mine in Łęczna (Eastern Poland). The study was carried out using a questionnaire. The results were statistically analyzed using software STATISTICA v. 7.1. Results. The vast majority of respondents (approximately 80%) reported that noise and dustiness at their workplace create risk for their health. More than a half of them mentioned that the microclimate in the mine threatens their health (high humidity and high temperature), and a half of respondents indicated vibration and poor lighting. The greatest differences of opinions concerning the effect of hazardous factors on health of persons employed in the mine were observed in the subgroups distinguished according to the work position. Health risk at a workplace was most often identified by those employed as miners. Conclusions. Among actions reducing the negative effect of the work environment on health is the introduction of new, safer technologies of coal mining. Also, the human factor is very important for work safety in mining, including the proper preparation of employees who undertake work in a mine. It is recommended that new, more effective educational programmes are implemented in the area of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) at workplaces.
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