Occupational Infections in the Edinburgh Abattoir

Abstract

Evidence of previous infection with Q fewer, brucellosis, leptospirosis, and louping-ill was looked for in 96 men employed at the Edinburgh abattoir. The men were asked relevant questions, and a specimen of blood from each was tested for serological evidence of those diseases ; 46 (47.9%) showed serological evidence of previous infection. The incidence of antibodies to Coxiella burnetii (phase 2) was 28.1%, to Brucella abortus 12.5%, to Leptospira canicola 6.2%, and to the virus causing louping-ill 8.3%. With the exception of leptospirosis it was not possible to obtain historical evidence of previous infection with these diseases. This may be because the symptoms pass unrecognized or possibly because the majority of infections are subclinical. It is assumed that the men mainly acquire infection by reason of their occupation. © 1966, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.