Zoonoses in the Workplace: A Seroprevalence Study of Coxiella, Brucella, and Leptospira Among Marine Mammal Rescue and Rehabilitation Workers in California

Details

• Personal Author:
  Anderson AD ; Bjork A ; De Perio, Marie A. ; Field CL ; Fitzpatrick KA ; Gibbins, John D. ; Gulland FMD ; Kersh GJ ; Niemeier, R. Todd ; Self JS ; Stoddard RA
• Description:
  Background: Q fever, brucellosis, and leptospirosis are zoonoses typically associated with terrestrial animal reservoirs. These bacterial agents are now known to infect marine mammal species, though little is known about potential human health risks from marine mammal reservoir species. We investigated potential risks of these bacteria in humans associated with marine mammal exposure. Methods: The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) in Sausalito, California, requested a Health Hazard Evaluation by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. In June 2011, an investigation occurred, which included a written questionnaire and serosurvey among workers for Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., and Leptospira spp., and an environmental assessment for C. burnetii. Results: Serologic evidence of past exposure was detected in 4% (C. burnetii), 0% (Brucella), and 1% (Leptospira) of 213 participants, respectively. One of 130 environmental samples tested positive for C. burnetii. No significant marine mammal-specific risk factors were identified, but some safety deficiencies were noted that could lead to a higher risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases. Conclusion: Although this study did not identify disease exposure risks associated with marine mammals, additional studies in different settings of other groups with frequent exposure to marine mammals are warranted. Some deficiencies in safety were noted, and based on these, TMMC modified protocols to improve safety. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Occupational Exposure Occupational Health Safety
• Keywords:
  Animal-related Diseases Animal Handlers Author Keywords: Biosafety Bacterial Disease Brucellosis Leptospirosis Marine Mammal Marine Workers Occupational Exposure Q Fever Serology Worker Safety Zoonoses

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• ISSN:
  2769-2450
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  California ; Georgia ; Ohio ; OSHA Region 4 ; OSHA Region 5 ; OSHA Region 9
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  OD - Office of the Director ; DSI - Division of Science Integration
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20069866
• Citation:
  Public Health Chall 2024 Jun; 3(2):e132
• Contact Point Address:
  Robyn A. Stoddard, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road NE Mailstop H17-2, Atlanta GA 30329, USA
• Email:
  frd8@cdc.gov
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2024
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Source Full Name:
  Public Health Challenges
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:9002e8333f910fcefbf2426693be33a2978d4a6fef50a85799868d2d931124cfa8cb6b66599b2acb2a35d4caab1332950f5d94a702051f9078ea5f39ef677468
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/208206/cdc_208206_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 185.96 KB ]