RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Evidence on the public health relevance of exposure to livestock farm emissions is increasing. Research mostly focused on chemical air pollution, less on microbial exposure, while endotoxins are suggested relevant bacterial components in farm emissions. Acute respiratory health effects of short-term exposure to livestock-related air pollution has been shown for NH3 and PM10, but has not yet been studied for endotoxin. We aimed to assess associations between lung function and short-term exposure to livestock farming emitted endotoxin in co-pollutant models with NH3 and PM10. METHODS: In 2014/2015, spirometry was conducted in 2308 non-farming residents living in a rural area in the Netherlands. Residential exposure to livestock farming emitted endotoxin during the week prior to spirometry was estimated by dispersion modelling. The model was applied to geo-located individual barns within 10 km of each home address using provincial farm data and local hourly meteorological conditions. Regional week-average measured concentrations of NH3 and PM10 were obtained through monitoring stations. Lung function parameters (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, MMEF) were expressed in %-predicted value based on GLI-2012. Exposure-response analyses were performed by linear regression modelling. RESULTS: Week-average endotoxin exposure was negatively associated with FVC, independently from regional NH3 and PM10 exposure. A 1.1% decline in FVC was estimated for an increase of endotoxin exposure from 10th to 90th percentile. Stratified analyses showed a larger decline (3.2%) for participants with current asthma and/or COPD. FEV1 was negatively associated with week-average endotoxin exposure, but less consistent after co-pollutant adjustment. FEV1/FVC and MMEF were not associated with week-average endotoxin exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Lower lung function in non-farming residents was observed in relation to short-term residential exposure to livestock farming emitted endotoxin. This study indicates the probable relevance of exposure to microbial emissions from livestock farms considering public health besides chemical air pollution, necessitating future research incorporating both.
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Contaminantes Atmosféricos , Contaminación del Aire , Contaminantes Ambientales , Animales , Humanos , Granjas , Ganado , Endotoxinas/toxicidad , Agricultura , Contaminación del Aire/análisis , Contaminantes Ambientales/análisis , Pulmón/química , Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales/análisis , Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Material Particulado/análisisRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The occurrence and zoonotic potential of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in pigs and broilers has been studied intensively in past decades. Here, we describe AMR levels of European pig and broiler farms and determine the potential risk factors. METHODS: We collected faeces from 181 pig farms and 181 broiler farms in nine European countries. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to quantify the relative abundance of four antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) [aph(3')-III, erm(B), sul2 and tet(W)] in these faeces samples. Information on antimicrobial use (AMU) and other farm characteristics was collected through a questionnaire. A mixed model using country and farm as random effects was performed to evaluate the relationship of AMR with AMU and other farm characteristics. The correlation between individual qPCR data and previously published pooled metagenomic data was evaluated. Variance component analysis was conducted to assess the variance contribution of all factors. RESULTS: The highest abundance of ARG was for tet(W) in pig faeces and erm(B) in broiler faeces. In addition to the significant positive association between corresponding ARG and AMU levels, we also found on-farm biosecurity measures were associated with relative ARG abundance in both pigs and broilers. Between-country and between-farm variation can partially be explained by AMU. Different ARG targets may have different sample size requirements to represent the overall farm level precisely. CONCLUSIONS: qPCR is an efficient tool for targeted assessment of AMR in livestock-related samples. The AMR variation between samples was mainly contributed to by between-country, between-farm and within-farm differences, and then by on-farm AMU.
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Antibacterianos , Antiinfecciosos , Animales , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Pollos , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana , Granjas , Heces , Factores de Riesgo , PorcinosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is an affordable method to quantify antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) targets, allowing comparisons of ARG abundance along animal production chains. OBJECTIVES: We present a comparison of ARG abundance across various animal species, production environments and humans in Europe. AMR variation sources were quantified. The correlation of ARG abundance between qPCR data and previously published metagenomic data was assessed. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in nine European countries, comprising 9572 samples. qPCR was used to quantify abundance of ARGs [aph(3')-III, erm(B), sul2, tet(W)] and 16S rRNA. Variance component analysis was conducted to explore AMR variation sources. Spearman's rank correlation of ARG abundance values was evaluated between pooled qPCR data and earlier published pooled metagenomic data. RESULTS: ARG abundance varied strongly among animal species, environments and humans. This variation was dominated by between-farm variation (pigs) or within-farm variation (broilers, veal calves and turkeys). A decrease in ARG abundance along pig and broiler production chains ('farm to fork') was observed. ARG abundance was higher in farmers than in slaughterhouse workers, and lowest in control subjects. ARG abundance showed a high correlation (Spearman's ρâ>â0.7) between qPCR data and metagenomic data of pooled samples. CONCLUSIONS: qPCR analysis is a valuable tool to assess ARG abundance in a large collection of livestock-associated samples. The between-country and between-farm variation of ARG abundance could partially be explained by antimicrobial use and farm biosecurity levels. ARG abundance in human faeces was related to livestock antimicrobial resistance exposure.
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Antibacterianos , Antiinfecciosos , Animales , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Bovinos , Pollos , Estudios Transversales , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana , Heces , Genes Bacterianos , Humanos , Ganado , Carne , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , PorcinosRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In fall 2020 when schools in the Netherlands operated under a limited set of COVID-19 measures, we conducted outbreaks studies in four secondary schools to gain insight in the level of school transmission and the role of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via air and surfaces. METHODS: Outbreak studies were performed between 11 November and 15 December 2020 when the wild-type variant of SARS-CoV-2 was dominant. Clusters of SARS-CoV-2 infections within schools were identified through a prospective school surveillance study. All school contacts of cluster cases, irrespective of symptoms, were invited for PCR testing twice within 48 h and 4-7 days later. Combined NTS and saliva samples were collected at each time point along with data on recent exposure and symptoms. Surface and active air samples were collected in the school environment. All samples were PCR-tested and sequenced when possible. RESULTS: Out of 263 sampled school contacts, 24 tested SARS-CoV-2 positive (secondary attack rate 9.1%), of which 62% remained asymptomatic and 42% had a weakly positive test result. Phylogenetic analysis on 12 subjects from 2 schools indicated a cluster of 8 and 2 secondary cases, respectively, but also other distinct strains within outbreaks. Of 51 collected air and 53 surface samples, none were SARS-CoV-2 positive. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed within school SARS-CoV-2 transmission and substantial silent circulation, but also multiple introductions in some cases. Absence of air or surface contamination suggests environmental contamination is not widespread during school outbreaks.
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COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2 , Humanos , SARS-CoV-2/genética , COVID-19/epidemiología , Estudios Prospectivos , Países Bajos/epidemiología , Filogenia , Brotes de Enfermedades , Instituciones AcadémicasRESUMEN
We examined Coxiella burnetii seroconversion rates by measuring C. burnetii IgG among 2 cohorts of veterinary students. During follow-up of 118 seronegative veterinary students, 23 students seroconverted. Although the clinical importance of the presence of antibodies is unknown, veterinary students should be informed about the potential risks for Q fever.
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Coxiella burnetii , Fiebre Q , Anticuerpos Antibacterianos , Humanos , Países Bajos/epidemiología , Fiebre Q/epidemiología , Fiebre Q/veterinaria , Seroconversión , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , EstudiantesRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To control the emerging threat of antimicrobial resistance, international policy appeals for appropriate monitoring of antimicrobial usage (AMU) at supranational, species and farm level. The aim of this study was to quantify AMU in broilers at farm and flock level in nine European countries. METHODS: Antimicrobial treatment data of one flock and purchased antimicrobials over one year were collected at 181 European broiler farms. Afterwards AMU was quantified using treatment incidence (TI) per 100 days based on Defined Daily Dose (DDDvet), Defined Course Dose (DCDvet) or Used Daily Dose (UDDvet) values. Total AMU at flock level was obtained by summing the TIDDDvet of all treatments in the sampled flock (TIDDDvetFl*). RESULTS: The median TIDDDvetFl* was 9.0 (95% CI 5.5-10.8), meaning that broilers were treated with antimicrobials during 9% of their rearing period. TIDDDvetFl* varied considerably within and between countries. However, in every country at least one untreated flock was present. Average TIDDDvetFl* at country level ranged from 3.3 to 36.7. Polymyxins, extended-spectrum aminopenicillins and fluoroquinolones were the most used antimicrobials, accounting for 26%, 26% and 18% of total AMU, respectively. Twenty-six percent of the farms started a treatment on day 1 of production, and 49% of overall AMU was administered within the first week. CONCLUSIONS: Results show that rearing broilers without AMU is feasible. However, a huge variation in AMU in terms of amount, moment of administration and antimicrobial classes was observed. This shows that there is still ground to be covered when it comes to AMU on broiler farms.
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Antibacterianos , Pollos , Prescripciones de Medicamentos/estadística & datos numéricos , Granjas , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/epidemiología , Animales , Antibacterianos/administración & dosificación , Antibacterianos/clasificación , Estudios Transversales , Europa (Continente)/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de las Aves de Corral/microbiología , Vigilancia en Salud Pública , Investigación CualitativaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Farm-level quantification of antimicrobial usage (AMU) in pig farms. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, AMU data on group treatments administered to a single batch of fattening pigs from birth to slaughter (group treatment data) and antimicrobials purchased during 1 year (purchase data) were collected at 180 pig farms in nine European countries. AMU was quantified using treatment incidence (TI) based on defined (DDDvet) and used (UDDvet) daily doses and defined (DCDvet) and used (UCDvet) course doses. RESULTS: The majority of antimicrobial group treatments were administered to weaners (69.5% of total TIDDDvet) followed by sucklers (22.5% of total TIDDDvet). AMU varied considerably between farms with a median TIDDDvet of 9.2 and 7.1 for a standardized rearing period of 200 days based on group treatment and purchase data, respectively. In general, UDDvet and UCDvet were higher than DDDvet and DCDvet, respectively, suggesting that either the defined doses were set too low or that group treatments were often dosed too high and/or administered for too long. Extended-spectrum penicillins (31.2%) and polymyxins (24.7%) were the active substances most often used in group treatments, with the majority administered through feed or water (82%). Higher AMU at a young age was associated with higher use in older pigs. CONCLUSIONS: Collecting farm-level AMU data of good quality is challenging and results differ based on how data are collected (group treatment data versus purchase data) and reported (defined versus used daily and course doses).
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Antiinfecciosos , Prescripciones de Medicamentos/estadística & datos numéricos , Granjas , Pautas de la Práctica en Medicina , Animales , Antiinfecciosos/uso terapéutico , Prescripciones de Medicamentos/normas , Europa (Continente)/epidemiología , Vigilancia en Salud Pública , Investigación Cualitativa , Porcinos , Enfermedades de los Porcinos/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de los Porcinos/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Porcinos/microbiologíaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To explore the dynamics of faecal ESBL/AmpC shedding in dairy cattle and farmers, a study was conducted to examine changes in shedding by individual animals, as well as environmental exposure, and to study the association between antimicrobial use (AMU) and ESBL/AmpC shedding. METHODS: The study comprised a cross-sectional survey of 20 farms and a 1 year follow-up of 10 farms. Faecal samples were cultured by both direct inoculation on MacConkey agar + 1 mg/L cefotaxime (MC+) and enrichment in LB-broth + 1 mg/L cefotaxime with subsequent inoculation on MC+. Dust samples were collected using electrostatic dustfall collectors (EDCs). Human faecal samples were collected by the farmers. Presence of ESBL/AmpC genes was screened for by PCR and sequencing. Using mixed effects logistic regression, ORs were determined and population-attributable fractions (PAFs) calculated subsequently. RESULTS: In Phase 1, 8/20 farms were positive for ESBL/AmpC and, with 2 negative farms, were selected for Phase 2. Transient shedding of dominant allele variants was observed in the animals. EDCs and human faecal samples did not reflect what was observed in the animals. AMU was related to shedding of ESBLs in the next sampling moment [OR 14.6 (95% CI 3.0-80.0)] and the PAF of AMU was 0.36 (95% CI 0.08-0.77). Calves fed with colostrum from cows on dry-off therapy was not a risk factor [OR 1.7 (95% CI 0.7-4.9, P = 0.28)]. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of ESBL/AmpC could only be partly explained by AMU. No link was shown between shedding in cattle and humans or the environment. Interventions should focus on prevention of introduction.
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Proteínas Bacterianas/metabolismo , Derrame de Bacterias , Bovinos/microbiología , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Heces/microbiología , beta-Lactamasas/metabolismo , Animales , Antibacterianos/administración & dosificación , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Proteínas Bacterianas/genética , Estudios Transversales , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana , Escherichia coli/enzimología , Escherichia coli/genética , Femenino , Regulación Bacteriana de la Expresión Génica , Genotipo , beta-Lactamasas/genéticaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Previous studies in food-producing animals have shown associations between antimicrobial use (AMU) and resistance (AMR) in specifically isolated bacterial species. Multi-country data are scarce and only describe between-country differences. Here we investigate associations between the pig faecal mobile resistome and characteristics at the farm-level across Europe. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 176 conventional pig farms from nine European countries. Twenty-five faecal samples from fattening pigs were pooled per farm and acquired resistomes were determined using shotgun metagenomics and the Resfinder reference database, i.e. the full collection of horizontally acquired AMR genes (ARGs). Normalized fragments resistance genes per kilobase reference per million bacterial fragments (FPKM) were calculated. Specific farm-level data (AMU, biosecurity) were collected. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed by country, relating farm-level data to relative ARG abundances (FPKM). RESULTS: Total AMU during fattening was positively associated with total ARG (total FPKM). Positive associations were particularly observed between widely used macrolides and tetracyclines, and ARGs corresponding to the respective antimicrobial classes. Significant AMU-ARG associations were not found for ß-lactams and only few colistin ARGs were found, despite high use of these antimicrobial classes in younger pigs. Increased internal biosecurity was directly related to higher abundances of ARGs mainly encoding macrolide resistance. These effects of biosecurity were independent of AMU in mutually adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS: Using resistome data in association studies is unprecedented and adds accuracy and new insights to previously observed AMU-AMR associations. Major components of the pig resistome are positively and independently associated with on-farm AMU and biosecurity conditions.
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Crianza de Animales Domésticos/métodos , Antiinfecciosos/uso terapéutico , Biota/efectos de los fármacos , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana , Utilización de Medicamentos/estadística & datos numéricos , Heces/microbiología , Genes Bacterianos , Animales , Biología Computacional , Estudios Transversales , Europa (Continente) , Metagenómica , PorcinosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To determine associations between farm- and flock-level antimicrobial usage (AMU), farm biosecurity status and the abundance of faecal antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) on broiler farms. METHODS: In the cross-sectional pan-European EFFORT study, conventional broiler farms were visited and faeces, AMU information and biosecurity records were collected. The resistomes of pooled faecal samples were determined by metagenomic analysis for 176 farms. A meta-analysis approach was used to relate total and class-specific ARGs (expressed as fragments per kb reference per million bacterial fragments, FPKM) to AMU (treatment incidence per DDD, TIDDDvet) per country and subsequently across all countries. In a similar way, the association between biosecurity status (Biocheck.UGent) and the resistome was explored. RESULTS: Sixty-six (38%) flocks did not report group treatments but showed a similar resistome composition and roughly similar ARG levels to antimicrobial-treated flocks. Nevertheless, we found significant positive associations between ß-lactam, tetracycline, macrolide and lincosamide, trimethoprim and aminoglycoside antimicrobial flock treatments and ARG clusters conferring resistance to the same class. Similar associations were found with purchased products. In gene-level analysis for ß-lactams and macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramins, a significant positive association was found with the most abundant gene clusters blaTEM and erm(B). Little evidence was found for associations with biosecurity. CONCLUSIONS: The faecal microbiome in European broilers contains a high diversity of ARGs, even in the absence of current antimicrobial selection pressure. Despite this, the relative abundance of genes and the composition of the resistome is positively related to AMU in European broiler farms for several antimicrobial classes.
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Antiinfecciosos/uso terapéutico , Bacterias/efectos de los fármacos , Pollos/microbiología , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana/efectos de los fármacos , Metagenómica , Microbiota/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Antiinfecciosos/farmacología , Bacterias/genética , Biología Computacional , Estudios Transversales , Europa (Continente) , Granjas , Heces/microbiología , Microbiota/genética , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
Microbial air pollution from livestock farms has raised concerns regarding public health. Little is known about airborne livestock-related microbial levels in residential areas. We aimed to increase insights into this issue. Air measurements were performed in 2014 and 2015 at 61 residential sites in The Netherlands. Quantitative-PCR was used to assess DNA concentrations of selected bacteria (commensals: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp.; a zoonotic pathogen: Campylobacter jejuni) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes ( tetW, mecA) in airborne dust. Mixed models were used to explore spatial associations (temporal adjusted) with livestock-related characteristics of the surroundings. DNA from commensals and AMR genes was detectable even at sites furthest away from farms (1200 m), albeit at lower levels. Concentrations, distinctly different between sites, were strongly associated with the density of farms in the surroundings especially with poultry and pigs. C. jejuni DNA was less prevalent (42% of samples positive). Presence of C. jejuni was solely associated with poultry (OR: 4.7 (95% CI: 1.7-14), high versus low poultry density). Residential exposure to livestock-related bacteria and AMR genes was demonstrated. Identified associations suggest contribution of livestock farms to microbial air pollution in general and attribution differences between farm types. This supports the plausibility of recent studies showing health effects in relation to residential proximity to farms.
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Contaminación del Aire , Ganado , Animales , Granjas , Países Bajos , Aves de Corral , PorcinosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: To study exposure-response relations between cumulative organic dust exposure and incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among subjects employed in the Danish farming and wood industry. METHODS: We studied exposure-response relations between cumulative organic dust exposure and incident COPD (1997-2013) among individuals born during 1950-1977 in Denmark ever employed in the farming or wood industry (n=1 75 409). Industry-specific employment history (1964-2007), combined with time-dependent farming and wood industry-specific exposure matrices defined cumulative exposure. We used logistic regression analysis with discrete survival function adjusting for age, sex and calendar year. Adjustment for smoking status was explored in a subgroup of 4023 with smoking information available. RESULTS: Cumulative organic dust exposure was inversely associated with COPD (adjusted rate ratios (RRadj (95% CIs) of 0.90 (0.82 to 0.99), 0.76 (0.69 to 0.84) and 0.52 (0.47 to 0.58) for intermediate-low, intermediate-high and high exposure quartiles, respectively, compared with the lowest exposure quartile). Lagging exposure 10 years was not consistently suggestive of an association between cumulative exposure and COPD; RRadj (95% CI): 1.05 (0.94 to 1.16), 0.92 (0.83 to 1.02) and 0.63 (0.56 to 0.70). Additional stratification by duration of employment showed no clear association between organic dust exposure and COPD except for the longer exposed (15-40 years) where an inverse association was indicated. Subgroup analyses showed that smoking had no impact on exposure-response estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show no increased risk of COPD with increasing occupational exposure to organic dust in the farming or wood industry. Potential residual confounding by smoking can, however, not be ruled out.
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Agricultura , Contaminantes Ocupacionales del Aire/análisis , Polvo/análisis , Industria Manufacturera , Exposición Profesional/análisis , Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica/epidemiología , Adulto , Dinamarca/epidemiología , Femenino , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Enfermedad Pulmonar Obstructiva Crónica/etiología , Factores de Riesgo , Fumar/epidemiología , Madera , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Background: In recent years, ESBL/AmpC-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL/AmpC-EC) have been isolated with increasing frequency from animals, food, environmental sources and humans. With incomplete and scattered evidence, the contribution to the human carriage burden from these reservoirs remains unclear. Objectives: To quantify molecular similarities between different reservoirs as a first step towards risk attribution. Methods: Pooled data on ESBL/AmpC-EC isolates were recovered from 35 studies in the Netherlands comprising >27 000 samples, mostly obtained between 2005 and 2015. Frequency distributions of ESBL/AmpC genes from 5808 isolates and replicons of ESBL/AmpC-carrying plasmids from 812 isolates were compared across 22 reservoirs through proportional similarity indices (PSIs) and principal component analyses (PCAs). Results: Predominant ESBL/AmpC genes were identified in each reservoir. PCAs and PSIs revealed close human-animal ESBL/AmpC gene similarity between human farming communities and their animals (broilers and pigs) (PSIs from 0.8 to 0.9). Isolates from people in the general population had higher similarities to those from human clinical settings, surface and sewage water and wild birds (0.7-0.8), while similarities to livestock or food reservoirs were lower (0.3-0.6). Based on rarefaction curves, people in the general population had more diversity in ESBL/AmpC genes and plasmid replicon types than those in other reservoirs. Conclusions: Our 'One Health' approach provides an integrated evaluation of the molecular relatedness of ESBL/AmpC-EC from numerous sources. The analysis showed distinguishable ESBL/AmpC-EC transmission cycles in different hosts and failed to demonstrate a close epidemiological linkage of ESBL/AmpC genes and plasmid replicon types between livestock farms and people in the general population.
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Microbiología Ambiental , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/microbiología , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/veterinaria , Escherichia coli/clasificación , Microbiología de Alimentos , Variación Genética , beta-Lactamasas/metabolismo , Animales , Aves , Transmisión de Enfermedad Infecciosa , Escherichia coli/enzimología , Escherichia coli/genética , Escherichia coli/aislamiento & purificación , Humanos , Países Bajos , Aves de Corral , PorcinosRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: Exposure to farm environments during childhood and adult life seems to reduce the risk of atopic sensitisation. Most studies have been conducted among farmers, but people living in rural areas may have similar protective effects for atopy. This study aims to investigate the association between residential proximity to livestock farms and atopy among non-farming adults living in a rural area in the Netherlands. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 2443 adults (20-72 years). Atopy was defined as specific IgE to common allergens and/or total IgE ≥100 IU/mL. Residential proximity to livestock farms was assessed as 1) distance to the nearest pig, poultry, cattle or any farm, 2) number of farms within 500 m and 1000 m, and 3) modelled annual average fine dust emissions from farms within 500 m and 1000 m. Data were analysed with multiple logistic regression and generalised additive models. RESULTS: The prevalence of atopy was 29.8%. Subjects living at short distances from farms (<327 m, first tertile) had a lower odds for atopy compared with subjects living further away (>527 m, third tertile) (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.98). Significant associations in the same direction were found with distance to the nearest pig or cattle farm. The associations between atopy and livestock farm exposure were somewhat stronger in subjects who grew up on a farm. CONCLUSIONS: Living in close proximity to livestock farms seems to protect against atopy. This study provides evidence that protective effects of early-life and adult farm exposures may extend beyond farming populations.
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Exposición a Riesgos Ambientales , Granjas , Hipersensibilidad Inmediata/epidemiología , Ganado , Características de la Residencia , Anciano , Animales , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Hipersensibilidad Inmediata/sangre , Inmunoglobulina E/sangre , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Países Bajos/epidemiología , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Recent serological studies indicate that hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic in industrialised countries. The increasing trend in the number of autochthonous cases of HEV genotype 3 in Western European countries, stresses the importance to get insight in the exact routes of exposure. Pigs are the main animal reservoir, and zoonotic food-borne transmission of HEV is proven. However, infected pigs can excrete large amounts of virus via their faeces enabling environmental transmission of HEV to humans. This might pose a risk for of neighbouring residents of livestock farming. METHODS: Within a large study on the health of people living in the vicinity of livestock farming we performed a cross-sectional population-based serological survey among 2,494 non-farming adults from the general population in a livestock-dense area in the south of the Netherlands. Participants completed risk factor questionnaires and blood samples of 2,422 subjects (median age 58 years, range 20-72) were tested for anti-HEV IgG using an enzyme immune assay (Wantai). The aim of this study was to determine the HEV seroprevalence and to assess whether seropositivity in adults was associated with living in the vicinity of pig farms. RESULTS: The average seroprevalence of HEV was 28.7% (95% CI: 26.9-30.5). Determinants associated with an increased risk for HEV seropositivity were male gender and low level of education. There was a clear trend of increasing prevalence with increasing age (Chi-square test for linear trend, X2 = 83.1; p < 0.001). A high number of pigs within 1,000 m of the residential address was not a risk factor for seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the high HEV seroprevalence (29%) in the general population of the Netherlands, but presence of antibodies was not associated with residential proximity to pig farms. The prevalence increased with age from 10% in adolescents to 33% among those aged 50 and above, supporting the assumption of a cumulative lifetime exposure to HEV in the Netherlands as well as a higher infection pressure in the past. Our findings cannot refute the assumption that transmission is primarily food-borne.
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Hepatitis E/epidemiología , Adulto , Anciano , Animales , Distribución de Chi-Cuadrado , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Humanos , Ganado , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Países Bajos/epidemiología , Factores de Riesgo , Población Rural , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Porcinos/virología , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Prior to the 2007-2010 Q fever epidemic in the Netherlands, the seroprevalence of antibodies against Coxiella burnetii in the general population was 1.5%, which is low compared to other countries. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence after the Q fever epidemic among people living in the affected area, compare the seroprevalence with the incidence of Q fever notifications during the 2007-2010 Q fever epidemic, and to identify farm exposures associated with having antibodies against C. burnetii. METHODS: During the period March 2014-February 2015, residents aged 18-70 years from two provinces were invited by general practitioners to complete a questionnaire on their symptoms and personal characteristics and to submit a blood sample. We used the mandatory provincial database of livestock licences to calculate distance to farms/farm animals for each participant. To compare ELISA-positive participants for C. burnetii antibodies with those who were negative, we calculated prevalence ratios (PR) using binominal regression. We compared the C. burnetii seroprevalence in the period March 2014-February 2015 with the incidence of Q fever notifications during the 2007-2010 Q fever epidemic at municipal level by calculating the Spearman correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Of the 2296 participants (response rate: 34%), 6.1% (n = 139, 95% CI 5.1-7.1%) had C. burnetii antibodies (range in municipalities: 1.7-14.1%). C. burnetii seroprevalence was higher in individuals living within 1000 m of goat farms (PR 3.0; 95% CI 1.4-6.4) or within 1000 m of > 50 goats (PR 1.9; 95% CI 1.2-3.0). Seroprevalence increased with decreasing distance to the closest goat farm that was infected during the epidemic years (< 500 m, PR 9.5, 95% CI 2.8-32; 500-1000 m, PR 4.5, 95% CI 2.6-7.7; 1000-1500 m, PR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1-4.3, 1500-2000 m, PR 1.2, 95% CI 0.6-2.5; > 2000 reference group). There was no significant correlation between C. burnetii seroprevalence and Q fever incidence during the 2007-2010 epidemic (r s = 0.42, p = 0.156). CONCLUSIONS: Results showed a remarkable spatial variation in C. burnetii seroprevalence in a relatively small livestock dense area. It confirms previous evidence that the Q fever epidemic was primarily the result of airborne C. burnetii transmission from Q fever affected goat farms.
Asunto(s)
Coxiella burnetii , Reservorios de Enfermedades/estadística & datos numéricos , Fiebre Q/epidemiología , Adulto , Anciano , Animales , Anticuerpos Antibacterianos/sangre , Coxiella burnetii/inmunología , Coxiella burnetii/patogenicidad , Estudios Transversales , Industria Lechera/estadística & datos numéricos , Epidemias , Cabras/microbiología , Humanos , Incidencia , Ganado/microbiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Países Bajos/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Fiebre Q/inmunología , Estudios SeroepidemiológicosRESUMEN
Several studies have reported associations between farming and respiratory health in neighboring residents. Health effects are possibly linked to fine dust and endotoxin emissions from livestock farms. Little is known about levels of these air pollutants in ambient air in livestock dense areas. We aimed to explore temporal and spatial variation of PM10 and endotoxin concentrations, and the association with livestock-related spatial and meteorological temporal determinants. From March till September 2011, one week average PM10 samples were collected using Harvard Impactors at eight sites (residential gardens) representing a variety of nearby livestock-related characteristics. A background site was included in the study area, situated at least 500m away from the nearest farm. PM10 mass was determined by gravimetric analysis and endotoxin level by means of Limulus-Amebocyte-Lysate assay. Data were analyzed using mixed models. The range between sites of geometric mean concentrations was for PM10 19.8-22.3µg/m3 and for endotoxin 0.46-0.66EU/m3. PM10 concentrations and spatial variation were very similar for all sites, while endotoxin concentrations displayed a more variable pattern over time with larger differences between sites. Nonetheless, the temporal pattern at the background location was highly comparable to the sites mean temporal pattern both for PM10 and endotoxin (Pearson correlation: 0.92, 0.62). Spatial variation was larger for endotoxin than for PM10 (within/between site variance ratio: 0.63, 2.03). Spatial livestock-related characteristics of the surroundings were more strongly related to endotoxin concentrations, while temporal determinants were more strongly related to PM10 concentrations. The effect of local livestock-related sources on PM10 concentration was limited in this study carried out in a livestock dense area. The effect on endotoxin concentrations was more profound. To gain more insight in the effect of livestock-related sources on ambient levels of PM10 and endotoxin, measurements should be based on a broader set of locations.
Asunto(s)
Contaminantes Atmosféricos/análisis , Endotoxinas/análisis , Material Particulado/análisis , Animales , Granjas , Ganado , Modelos Teóricos , Países Bajos , Análisis Espacio-TemporalRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The home address is a common spatial proxy for exposure assessment in epidemiological studies but mobility may introduce exposure misclassification. Mobility can be assessed using self-reports or objectively measured using GPS logging but self-reports may not assess the same information as measured mobility. We aimed to assess mobility patterns of a rural population in the Netherlands using GPS measurements and self-reports and to compare GPS measured to self-reported data, and to evaluate correlates of differences in mobility patterns. METHOD: In total 870 participants filled in a questionnaire regarding their transport modes and carried a GPS-logger for 7 consecutive days. Transport modes were assigned to GPS-tracks based on speed patterns. Correlates of measured mobility data were evaluated using multiple linear regression. We calculated walking, biking and motorised transport durations based on GPS and self-reported data and compared outcomes. We used Cohen's kappa analyses to compare categorised self-reported and GPS measured data for time spent outdoors. RESULTS: Self-reported time spent walking and biking was strongly overestimated when compared to GPS measurements. Participants estimated their time spent in motorised transport accurately. Several variables were associated with differences in mobility patterns, we found for instance that obese people (BMI > 30 kg/m2) spent less time in non-motorised transport (GMR 0.69-0.74) and people with COPD tended to travel longer distances from home in motorised transport (GMR 1.42-1.51). CONCLUSIONS: If time spent walking outdoors and biking is relevant for the exposure to environmental factors, then relying on the home address as a proxy for exposure location may introduce misclassification. In addition, this misclassification is potentially differential, and specific groups of people will show stronger misclassification of exposure than others. Performing GPS measurements and identifying explanatory factors of mobility patterns may assist in regression calibration of self-reports in other studies.
Asunto(s)
Ciclismo , Sistemas de Información Geográfica , Población Rural , Autoinforme/normas , Caminata , Adulto , Anciano , Ciclismo/estadística & datos numéricos , Ejercicio Físico , Femenino , Sistemas de Información Geográfica/estadística & datos numéricos , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Países Bajos/epidemiología , Población Rural/estadística & datos numéricos , Caminata/estadística & datos numéricos , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Third-generation cephalosporins are a class of ß-lactam antibiotics that are often used for the treatment of human infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria, especially Escherichia coli. Worryingly, the incidence of human infections caused by third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E. coli is increasing worldwide. Recent studies have suggested that these E. coli strains, and their antibiotic resistance genes, can spread from food-producing animals, via the food-chain, to humans. However, these studies used traditional typing methods, which may not have provided sufficient resolution to reliably assess the relatedness of these strains. We therefore used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to study the relatedness of cephalosporin-resistant E. coli from humans, chicken meat, poultry and pigs. One strain collection included pairs of human and poultry-associated strains that had previously been considered to be identical based on Multi-Locus Sequence Typing, plasmid typing and antibiotic resistance gene sequencing. The second collection included isolates from farmers and their pigs. WGS analysis revealed considerable heterogeneity between human and poultry-associated isolates. The most closely related pairs of strains from both sources carried 1263 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) per Mbp core genome. In contrast, epidemiologically linked strains from humans and pigs differed by only 1.8 SNPs per Mbp core genome. WGS-based plasmid reconstructions revealed three distinct plasmid lineages (IncI1- and IncK-type) that carried cephalosporin resistance genes of the Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL)- and AmpC-types. The plasmid backbones within each lineage were virtually identical and were shared by genetically unrelated human and animal isolates. Plasmid reconstructions from short-read sequencing data were validated by long-read DNA sequencing for two strains. Our findings failed to demonstrate evidence for recent clonal transmission of cephalosporin-resistant E. coli strains from poultry to humans, as has been suggested based on traditional, low-resolution typing methods. Instead, our data suggest that cephalosporin resistance genes are mainly disseminated in animals and humans via distinct plasmids.
Asunto(s)
Resistencia a las Cefalosporinas/genética , Escherichia coli/genética , Plásmidos/genética , Animales , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Pollos/microbiología , ADN Bacteriano/genética , Escherichia coli/efectos de los fármacos , Infecciones por Escherichia coli/tratamiento farmacológico , Contaminación de Alimentos/análisis , Microbiología de Alimentos , Carne/microbiología , Filogenia , Polimorfismo de Nucleótido Simple , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN , Porcinos/microbiologíaRESUMEN
Widespread veterinary use of antimicrobials might contribute to the increasing burden of antimicrobial resistance. Despite many successful efforts to reduce veterinary antimicrobial use in the Netherlands, antimicrobial use on a substantial number of farms has remained relatively high over the past few years. Farm-specific solutions are required to further lower antimicrobial use on these farms. Reducing the burden of animal diseases at the farm level by means of a structured approach to animal health planning could be promising. This intervention study aimed to evaluate the main effects of an animal health planning program developed by an advisory team consisting of a dairy farmer, his veterinarian, and his feed adviser under the guidance of a professional facilitator. During an initial farm visit, the advisory team developed a farm-specific animal health planning program with support from the facilitator. After 1 yr, the effects of this program on animal health, production parameters, and antimicrobial use were evaluated and compared with control farms that did not have a facilitated animal health planning program. Antimicrobial use on intervention farms was significantly reduced between the start and the end of the study period; however, no significant differences in the rate of reduction between the intervention and control groups could be observed (-19% and -14%, respectively). Reduced antimicrobial use did not result in negative effects on animal health and production parameters during the study period in both groups. On intervention farms, a significant positive relationship was found between the percentage of completed action points at farm level and the percentage reduction in antimicrobial use. The level of compliance with action points and the quality of collaboration between farmer and advisers were positively associated with the accomplishment of corresponding objectives. However, the total number of objectives was negatively associated with the level of compliance with action points and tended to be negatively associated with the percentage reduction in antimicrobial use at farm level. Gradually reducing antimicrobial use without adverse effects on animal health and productivity is possible by adjusting management practices in a team effort. Fostering good collaboration among farmer, veterinarian, and feed adviser and focusing on a limited number of objectives have positive effects on the outcomes of the animal health planning program and antimicrobial use.