Regular PCR Testing for Mycobacterium can Prevent Disease Outbreak in the Workplace

by | May 22, 2022

 

Mycobacterium bacteria have caused outbreaks of hypersensitivity pneumonia due to exposure of aerosols from the infected metalworking fluids. Environmental opportunistic mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium avium, M. terrae, and the new species M. immunogenum, have been reported in these disease outbreaks. Aerosols have been generated from metalworking fluid during machining and grinding operations. In most outbreaks, the water sources of the aerosols were disinfected. Disinfection may select for the predominance and growth of mycobacteria (Falkinham, 2003). Therefore, mycobacterium bacteria were reported to be responsible, in part, for many outbreaks of hypersensitivity pneumonitis and other respiratory problems in the workplace and home. An estimated 1.2 million workers in the United States are exposed to aerosols generated by metal grinding (Eisen, et al, 1992). Metalworking fluids are widely used in a variety of common industrial metal-grinding operations to lubricate and cool the tool and the working surface. Metalworking fluids are oil-water emulsions that contain paraffins, pine oils, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals (Eisen, et al, 1992; Howell, et al, 1996). Exposure to metalworking fluid aerosols can lead to hypersensitivity pneumonitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Bernstein, et al, 1995, CDC, 1994; CDC, 2001). Mycobacteria were recovered significantly more frequently from metalworking fluid samples collected from facilities where hypersensitivity pneumonitis was found compared to facilities that did not have hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

            At Cicadea Biotech, we have developed and validated a PCR-based Mycobacterium detection method which can be used to detect Mycobacterium from metalworking fluids or environmental samples. We are performing Mycobacterium testing for clients from metalworking fluid industry. We can also sell the Mycobacterium PCR kit to clients. Our PCR detection method can enable early detection of Mycobacterium in the workplace or home, to prevent an outbreak and improve human health.

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