Proteomics and Genetic Approaches Elucidate the Circulation of Low Variability Staphylococcus aureus Strains on Colombian Dairy Farms.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most prevalent pathogens causing bovine mastitis in the world, in part because of its ease of adaptation to various hosts and the environment. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of S. aureus in Colombian dairy farms and its relationship with the causal network of subclinical mastitis. From thirteen dairy farms enrolled, 1288 quarter milk samples (QMS) and 330 teat samples were taken from cows with positive (70.1%) and negative California Mastitis Test (CMT). In addition, 126 samples from the milking parlor environment and 40 from workers (nasal) were collected. On each dairy farm, a survey was conducted, and the milking process was monitored on the day of sampling. S. aureus was identified in 176 samples, i.e., 138 QMS, 20 from teats, 8 from the milking parlor environment, and 10 from workers' nasal swabs. Isolates identified as S. aureus underwent proteomics (clustering of mass spectrum) and molecular (tuf, coa, spa Ig, clfA, and eno genes) analysis. Regarding proteomics results, isolates were distributed into three clusters, each with members from all sources and all farms. Concerning molecular analysis, the virulence-related genes clfA and eno were identified in 41.3% and 37.8% of S. aureus isolates, respectively. We provide evidence on the circulation of S. aureus strains with limited variability among animals, humans, and the environment. The parameters with the lowest compliance in the farms which may be implicated in the transmission of S. aureus are the lack of handwashing and abnormal milk handling.

A multicomponent ergonomic intervention involving individual and organisational changes for improving musculoskeletal outcomes and exposure risks among dairy workers.

A field intervention study was implemented to evaluate the effects of individual (physical exercise programme and worker ergonomics training) and organisational changes (optimising work-rest schedule and revised task procedure) on musculoskeletal outcomes and their exposure risks among milking workers in a dairy plant. A questionnaire survey (including the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire [CMDQ]) and direct observations of working postures by using the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method were used at baseline and 12-month follow-up. Shoulder, lower back and neck discomfort were found to be the most common problems. The results showed significant improvements in the frequency (neck, shoulder, lower back, forearm and knee symptoms), severity (shoulder, lower back and knee symptoms) and interference with work (particularly due to lower back symptoms) as well as in the exposure risks to musculoskeletal problems (using the QEC method) after the intervention. The findings support the effectiveness of implemented multiple component intervention for improving musculoskeletal health and exposure risks in the studied occupational group.

Assessing the effects of biomechanical overload on dairy parlor workers' wrist: Definition of a study approach and preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: Dairy milking is a demanding work task that has been associated with hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders. Clinical approaches to identify the early effects of musculoskeletal disorders among dairy parlor workers' wrist have not been well defined. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this pilot study was to develop a study protocol that would assist in the identification and quantification of hand and wrist disorders among dairy workers that perform tasks in the dairy parlor. Additionally, such a study protocol was needed to perform relatively rapid assessments of the wrist/hand on large samples of dairy workers. METHODS: Fourteen dairy parlor workers were assessed for i) upper limb symptoms and work history through questionnaire, ii) a physical examination of the upper limb and in particular wrists and iii) wrist ultrasonography. An additional 21 unexposed paired participants (the control group) also participated in the data collection. RESULTS: The study results identified two ultrasound acoustic windows characterized by the highest predictive value for alteration of the wrist's structure. Study results indicated an impairment of the distal median nerve in structure and mobility and impairment of the distal tendon of the muscle extensor carpi ulnaris that included dislocation and frank damage. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified at least two acoustic windows that should be assessed with ultrasound studies on larger groups and in prospective periodical health surveillance of dairy workers. The study confirmed the wrist was at risk for biomechanical stress among workers conducting milking tasks in the dairy parlors.