Journal List > Infect Chemother > v.40(2) > 1075387

Lee, Lee, Lee, Park, Choi, Hwang, and Lee: Chemoprophylaxis and Serological Follow-Up in Brucella abortus Exposed Laboratory Workers

Abstract

The aerozolization is one of possible Brucella transmission mechanisms, particularly in air-borne exposed laboratory workers. In this study, seven laboratory workers were potentially exposed to B. abortus via aerosols. Two laboratory workers who sniffed an agar plate several times were considered to be at high risk for acquiring the disease, 5 workers who did not work directly with the strain were be considered at low risk of infection. Prophylactic antibiotics of doxycycline 200 mg/day and rifampin 600 mg/day were offered for 6 weeks in high risk workers and 3 weeks for low risk workers, respectively. Enrolled workers were advised to check for serological testing of Brucella species every 3 weeks during a total period of 12 weeks. Compliance with taking medicine was 57.1% (4/7) and compliance for completing the serological tests was 85.7% (6/7). None of the laboratory workers developed clinical disease or tested positive serologically during 3 months of serological testing and 1 year of clinical follow-up.

Figures and Tables

Table 1
Recommended Duration of Chemoprophylaxis and the Actual Compliance of Individual Workers
ic-40-107-i001

*Major exposure

Table 2
Follow Up of Standard Tube Agglutination Test of People Exposed to Brucella Species
ic-40-107-i002

*Major exposure

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