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Epidemiologic Investigation of Two Welder’s Anthrax Cases Caused by Bacillus cereus Group Bacteria: Occupational Link Established by Environmental Detection

Authors :
Patrick Dawson
Johanna S. Salzer
Caroline A. Schrodt
Karl Feldmann
Cari B. Kolton
Jay E. Gee
Chung K. Marston
Christopher A. Gulvik
Mindy G. Elrod
Aaron Villarma
Rita M. Traxler
María E. Negrón
Kate A. Hendricks
Heather Moulton-Meissner
Laura J. Rose
Paul Byers
Kathryn Taylor
Daphne Ware
Gary A. Balsamo
Theresa Sokol
Bret Barrett
Erica Payne
Saad Zaheer
Ga On Jung
Stephen Long
Ricardo Quijano
Lindsey LeBouf
Briana O’Sullivan
Erin Swaney
James M. Antonini
Marie A. de Perio
Zachary Weiner
William A. Bower
Alex R. Hoffmaster
Source :
Pathogens, Vol 11, Iss 8, p 825 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2022.

Abstract

Bacillus cereus group bacteria containing the anthrax toxin genes can cause fatal anthrax pneumonia in welders. Two welder’s anthrax cases identified in 2020 were investigated to determine the source of each patient’s exposure. Environmental sampling was performed at locations where each patient had recent exposure to soil and dust. Samples were tested for the anthrax toxin genes by real-time PCR, and culture was performed on positive samples to identify whether any environmental isolates matched the patient’s clinical isolate. A total of 185 environmental samples were collected in investigation A for patient A and 108 samples in investigation B for patient B. All samples from investigation B were real-time PCR-negative, but 14 (8%) samples from investigation A were positive, including 10 from patient A’s worksite and 4 from his work-related clothing and gear. An isolate genetically matching the one recovered from patient A was successfully cultured from a worksite soil sample. All welder’s anthrax cases should be investigated to determine the source of exposure, which may be linked to their worksite. Welding and metalworking employers should consider conducting a workplace hazard assessment and implementing controls to reduce the risk of occupationally associated illnesses including welder’s anthrax.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
11080825 and 20760817
Volume :
11
Issue :
8
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Pathogens
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.38e80951332b42d997d7e79a360111b2
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11080825