Determining serologic targets in serum of goat farmers and their employees in light of the Livestock Farming and Neighboring Residents' health - part 3 (VGO-3) project.
Summary
Background & Aim: In the Netherlands, CAP cases were connected to living nearby goat farms in the Netherlands. Later on, an association between goat farms and an increased risk of CAP for residents living within a radius of 1.5 to 2 kilometers was also found. The potential role of pathogens from goats/goat farms still needs to be investigated as a likely cause. This study listed zoonotic pathogens from goats and compost-associated agents causing CAP in humans, along with serology for diagnosis. The research focuses on farmers and goat farm workers since they are (highly) exposed to pathogens from occupational exposure. Possible serological factors are sought to find the pathogens associated with CAP are presented.
Methods: The characteristics of the microorganisms that could cause CAP in humans originating from goat farms to residential areas are listed that are chosen from yet-to-be-published reports (VGO-III-sub study). After retrieving the list, a detailed search was done with the microorganism’s name and its association with CAP. Simultaneously serological targets in the blood and brief symptoms caused by the organism were also mentioned. Finally, commercially available serological assays for testing are listed along with their costs and descriptions (supplementary).
Results: In total, 16 and 32 microorganisms from goats and compost, respectively, were included. Microorganisms include bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic causes of CAP. Serological targets in the blood are mentioned for all the organisms. Commercially available serological assays belonging to different companies were listed.
Conclusion: This literature review focussed on listing the pathogens in two main categories, including zoonotic agents from goats and compost-associated pathogens. To put this list in a practical perspective, an overview was provided with serological tests commercially available. With the help of these tests and after interpreting the results, a plausible explanation can be established between CAP and microorganisms from goat/goat farms. In addition, CAP-causing antigen panels can be made for testing in susceptible individuals.