Legionella Antibodies in a Danish Hospital Staff with Known Occupational Exposure
Joint Authors
Viskum, S.
Uldum, S. A.
Mølbak, K.
Rudbeck, M.
Source
Journal of Environmental and Public Health
Issue
Vol. 2009, Issue 2009 (31 Dec. 2009), pp.1-6, 6 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2009-05-26
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
6
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Although legionnaires' disease frequently is acquired in health care institutions, little is known about the occupational risk of Legionella infection among health care workers.
The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to analyse antibody levels among exposed hospital workers and to determine the correlation between antibodies to Legionella and self-reported symptoms.
The study included 258 hospital employees and a reference group of 708 healthy blood donors.
Hospital workers had a higher prevalence of Legionella antibody titres (≥1 : 128) than blood donors (odds ratio 3.4; 95% CI 2.4–4.8).
Antibody levels were not higher among staff members at risk of frequent aerosol exposure than among less exposed employees.
There was no consistent association between a history of influenza-like symptom complex and the presence of antibodies.
The results indicate that hospital workers have a higher risk of Legionella infections than the general population.
However, since no excess morbidity was associated with seropositivity, most Legionella infections may be asymptomatic.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Rudbeck, M.& Viskum, S.& Mølbak, K.& Uldum, S. A.. 2009. Legionella Antibodies in a Danish Hospital Staff with Known Occupational Exposure. Journal of Environmental and Public Health،Vol. 2009, no. 2009, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-500059
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Rudbeck, M.…[et al.]. Legionella Antibodies in a Danish Hospital Staff with Known Occupational Exposure. Journal of Environmental and Public Health No. 2009 (2009), pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-500059
American Medical Association (AMA)
Rudbeck, M.& Viskum, S.& Mølbak, K.& Uldum, S. A.. Legionella Antibodies in a Danish Hospital Staff with Known Occupational Exposure. Journal of Environmental and Public Health. 2009. Vol. 2009, no. 2009, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-500059
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-500059