Bioaerosole und Atemwegserkrankungen in der Landwirtschaft

Nowak, Dennis (2016): Bioaerosole und Atemwegserkrankungen in der Landwirtschaft. In: Allergologie, Bd. 39, Nr. 2: S. 77-85

Abstract

Farming is the world largest branch of economy. Exposures are very multifaceted. Respiratory diseases in farmers have been described as early as 1550. Asthma, bronchitis, and COPD are more prevalent in farmers than in non-farmers. Repeated episodes of organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS) predispose to COPD. Mucous membrane irritation is a frequent phenomenon, particularly in pig farmers. The inflammatory potency of endotoxins is higher compared to, e.g., beta-glucans, peptidoglycans and muraminic acid. Endo toxins may exacerbate and initiate (non-allergic) asthma. Fungal spore concentrations in grain farming are higher than in animal feeding operations. Regarding specifically agricultural allergens, Bos d 2 is important, with high concentrations in stables, but also in living rooms and farmers' beds exceeding thresholds for sensitization. Scientifically valid threshold-limit concepts for agricultural bioaerosols are scarce and non-existent in Germany. The lower prevalence of atopic and slightly less consistent asthmatic diseases in children grown up on farms is predominantly caused by the increased diversity of microbial exposure. Farm animals have a high prevalence of inflammatory respiratory diseases, thus necessitating concepts of integrating animal health into prevention concepts of respiratory health.

• Dokumententyp: Zeitschriftenartikel
• Fakultät: Medizin > Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin
• Themengebiete: 600 Technik, Medizin, angewandte Wissenschaften > 610 Medizin und Gesundheit
• ISSN: 0344-5062
• Sprache: Deutsch