Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

The Korean Society for Preventive Medicine (대한예방의학회)
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Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis among Slaughterhouse Workers in Korea

소 도축 관련 종사자에서 브루셀라증의 혈청유병률 및 위험요인

  • Yoo, Seok-Ju (Department of Preventive Medicine, Dongguk University College of Medicine) ;
  • Choi, Young-Sill (Division of Zoonoses, Korea National Institute of Health) ;
  • Lim, Hyun-Sul (Department of Preventive Medicine, Dongguk University College of Medicine) ;
  • Lee, Kwan (Department of Preventive Medicine, Dongguk University College of Medicine) ;
  • Park, Mi-Yeoun (Division of Zoonoses, Korea National Institute of Health) ;
  • Chu, Chae-Shin (Division of Epidemic Intelligence Service, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) ;
  • Kang, Young-A (Division of Epidemic Intelligence Service, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
  • 유석주 (동국대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실) ;
  • 최영실 (국립보건연구원 인수공통감염팀) ;
  • 임현술 (동국대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실) ;
  • 이관 (동국대학교 의과대학 예방의학교실) ;
  • 박미연 (국립보건연구원 인수공통감염팀) ;
  • 주재신 (질병관리본부 역학조사팀) ;
  • 강영아 (질병관리본부 역학조사팀)
  • Published : 2009.07.31
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Abstract

Objectives : The incidence of zoonoses in Korea has increased recently. However, the study of high risk groups for zoonoses has not been conducted to date in Korea. Thus, we did this study to obtain data on brucellosis among slaughterhouse workers in Korea. Methods : We evaluated the structure of slaughterhouses and the process of slaughtering by reviewing the relevant literature and doing field studies. We visited 73 slaughterhouses and 62 residual products handle houses across the country. In addition, we conducted a questionnaire survey of the work activities, and obtained blood samples in order to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis. The titers of brucellosis antibodies were measured using the standard tube agglutination test SAT). We diagnosed subjects as seropositive for Brucellosis if the titers were more than 1:160. The data collected was evaluated using SPSS ver. 17.0. Results : We included 1,503 subjects and obtained 1,482 blood samples among them: 849 workers involved in slaughtering, 351 handlers of residual products, 190 inspectors and their assistants, and 92 grading testers and their assistants. The seroprevalence of brucellosis among the slaughterhouse workers was 0.8% (95% CI=0.4-1.5). Broken down, the seroprevalence of brucellosis among the workers involved in slaughtering was 0.7% (95% CI=0.3-1.6), the handlers of residual products was 1.7% (95% CI=0.7-3.9) respectively. Risk factors for contracting brucellosis among slaughterhouse workers were being splashed with cattle blood around the mouth, cattle secretions around the body and not putting on protective apron while at work. Conclusions : An educational program is needed for high risk groups on zoonoses about the prevention of infection. Thus, effective working guidelines for workers who participate in the slaughter of animals must be developed in order to protect them from zoonoses.

Keywords

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