Infect Chemother.  2008 Apr;40(2):107-109. 10.3947/ic.2008.40.2.107.

Chemoprophylaxis and Serological Follow-Up in Brucella abortus Exposed Laboratory Workers

• Lee CS
• Lee HS
• Lee JH
• Park JH
• Choi YS
• Hwang KJ
• Lee HB

• KMID: 2230013
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3947/ic.2008.40.2.107

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.

Keyword

Laboratory workers; Brucella spp.; Chemoprophylaxis

MeSH Terms

Aerosols
Agar
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Brucella
Brucella abortus
Chemoprevention
Compliance
Doxycycline
Follow-Up Studies
Rifampin
Serologic Tests
Sprains and Strains
Aerosols
Agar
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Doxycycline
Rifampin

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