Browsing by Author "Straumfors, Anne"
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- Algorithm to assess the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus resistant strains: the case of Norwegian sawmillsPublication . Viegas, Carla; Almeida, Beatriz; Aranha Caetano, Liliana; Afanou, Anani; Straumfors, Anne; Veríssimo, Cristina; Gonçalves, Paulo; Sabino, RaquelAssociation between selection pressure caused by the use of azole fungicides in sawmills and the development of fungal resistance has been described. The aim of this study was to implement an algorithm to assess the presence of Aspergillus section Fumigati resistant strains in sawmills. Eighty-six full-shift inhalable dust samples were collected from eleven industrial sawmills in Norway. Different culture media were used and molecular identification to species level in Aspergillus section Fumigati was done by calmodulin sequencing and TR34/L98H and TR46/Y121F/T289A mutations were screened by real-time PCR assay and confirmed by cyp51A sequencing. Six Fumigati isolates were identified as A. fumigatus sensu stricto and two of these grew on azole-supplemented media and were further analyzed by real-time PCR. One was confirmed to be a TR34/L98H mutant. The obtained results reinforce the need to assess the presence of A. fumigatus sensu stricto resistant isolates at other workplaces with fungicide pressure.
- Comprehensive assessment of occupational exposure to microbial contamination in waste sorting facilities from NorwayPublication . Viegas, Carla; Eriksen, Elke; Gomes, Bianca; Dias, Marta; Cervantes, Renata; Pena, Pedro; Carolino, Elisabete; Twarużek, Magdalena; Aranha Caetano, Liliana; Viegas, Susana; Graff, Pål; Afanou, Anani Komlavi; Straumfors, AnneIntroduction: It is of utmost importance to contribute to filling the knowledge gap concerning the characterization of occupational exposure to microbial agents in the waste sorting setting (automated and manual sorting). Methods: This study intends to apply a comprehensive field sampling and laboratory protocol (culture-based methods and molecular tools), assess fungal azole resistance, as well as to elucidate potential exposure-related health effects (cytotoxicity analyses). Skin-biota samples (swabs) were performed on workers and controls to identify other exposure routes. Results: In personal filter samples the guidelines in one automated industry surpassed the guidelines for fungi. Seasonal influence on viable microbial contamination including fungi with reduced susceptibility to the tested azoles was observed, besides the observed reduced susceptibility of pathogens of critical priority (Mucorales and Fusarium sp.). Aspergillus sections with potential toxigenic effects and clinical relevance were also detected in all the sampling methods. Discussion: The results regarding skin biota in both controls´ and workers´ hands claim attention for the possible exposure due to hand-to-face/mouth contact. This study allowed the conclusion that working in automated and manual waste sorting plants implies high exposure to microbial agents.
- Unraveling the occupational exposure to mycotoxins in a waste management setting: results from a case study in NorwayPublication . Martins, Carla; Viegas, Carla; Eriksen, Elke; Graff, Pål; Afanou, Anani Komlavi; Straumfors, Anne; Twarużek, Magdalena; Grajewski, Jan; Kosicki, Robert; Viegas, SusanaIntroduction: Waste management represents an occupational setting where fungi are significant contaminants. This study aimed to assess the exposure of waste workers to mycotoxins through a human biomonitoring study. Methods: Thirty-three workers and 19 controls provided spot urine samples to determine 10 mycotoxins’ urinary biomarkers using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Risk characterization was performed using hazard quotient and margin of exposure assessments. Results: The results indicated that workers were exposed to six out of the 10 mycotoxins tested, with the following detection rates: deoxynivalenol (91%, 30/33), ochratoxin A (33%, 11/33), zearalenone (17%, 5/33), α-zearalenol (12%, 4/33), β-zearalenol (12%, 4/33), and HT-2 toxin (3%, 1/33). Within controls and outwith controls, were exposed to 5/10 and 2/10 mycotoxins, respectively. All participants exhibited hazard quotients for deoxynivalenol and zearalenone below one, indicating that the exposure is unlikely to pose a health risk. However, when considering the margin of exposure determined for ochratoxin A, 18% of the total participants presented results below 200 for non-neoplastic effects, and 100% of the total participants presented values below 10,000 for neoplastic effects, suggesting potential health concerns that require further assessment. Discussion: This study highlights the need for future research on occupational exposure to mycotoxins in waste management settings.