Affiliation:
1. Department of Research for Occupational Health, Institute of Occupation and Environment, Korea Workers’ Compensation & Welfare Service , Incheon, 21417 , Republic of Korea
Abstract
Abstract
We describe the case of a 52-year-old male who presented with two episodes of acute exacerbations (AE) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during work, while suspending live chickens for slaughter. The patient was exposed to high levels of bioaerosols, including endotoxins and microorganisms. Endotoxins can induce bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation, and COPD patients are more vulnerable to airway infections caused by microorganisms inhaled with bioaerosols. This study suggests that a high level of bioaerosols may induce airway infections, resulting in acute exacerbations of COPD.
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Subject
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health