IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Feasibility of evaluating the health hazard presented to slaughterhouse workers by antibiotics used in animal husbandry

Abstract

The large-scale use of antibiotics in animal husbandry favours the development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Because it may give rise to problems in treating infectious diseases in humans, it is essential to determine the extent to which this resistance may be transmitted to workers.

The proportion of faecal coliforms resistant to antibiotics in 59 Québec pork slaughterhouse inspectors was compared to that in 50 workers with no exposure to farm animals.

The results demonstrate a high resistance to antibiotics in porcine bacterial flora. Further, these microorganisms represent a potential source of contaminants which may be transmitted to workers and induce a similar resistance of their bacterial flora.

This preliminary study, conducted in inspectors with only 20% of the occupational exposure of slaughterhouse workers, demonstrates the pertinence of conducting a larger-scale epidemiological study.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0083-0130
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 1984
Team:
  • Jean-Claude Panisset (Université de Montréal)