Endotoxin and β-(1 → 3)-glucan exposure in poultry and ruminant clinics.

Background: Exposure to organic dust is a well-known hazard for farm animal workers leading to respiratory diseases. Organic dust exposure has not been adequately evaluated in environmental settings in relation to veterinarians.

Objective: To investigate inhalable dust, endotoxin, and β-(1 → 3)-glucan exposure among caretakers, veterinarians, and veterinary students. Task-based determinants of exposure were studied.

Methods: This study investigated the exposure during veterinary education in the ruminant and poultry clinics. Dust measurements were performed using the conical inhalable samplers (CIS). Endotoxin and β-(1 → 3)-glucan were determined by the kinetic limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay and inhibition enzyme immunoassay (EIA), respectively. Determinants of exposure were identified by multiple linear regression analysis.

Results: Personal exposure levels of dust, endotoxin, and β-(1 → 3)-glucan were higher for poultry [geometric mean (GM): dust, 1.32 mg m(-3) (below the lower limit of detection (

Conclusions: This study showed substantial endotoxin exposure in modern animal clinics. Exposure occurred not only in animal houses, but also in practical teaching rooms. β-(1 → 3)-Glucan was substantial as well. Observed exposure levels might present an occupational respiratory health risk for veterinary populations.