Med. Pr. 2008;59(1):75-78 |
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO PRIONS DUE TO CONTACT WITH MEAT AND BONE MEAL (MBM) |
NARAŻENIE ZAWODOWE NA PRIONY ZWIĄZANE Z PRACĄ W KONTAKCIE Z MĄCZKĄ MIĘSNO-KOSTNĄ |
Katarzyna Zielińska-Jankiewicz, Anna Kozajda, Irena Szadkowska-Stańczyk |
Abstract
Meat and bone meal (MBM) is free from conventional biological factors
if it is not subjected to a secondary pollution, but it may be a
potential source of prions. Prions are widely accepted as being the
casual agents of a range of serious infectious diseases characterized
by degenerative processes in the nervous system. These diseases occur
in both humans and animals. The recommended method of producing MBM is
now regarded by experts as optimal as it sufficiently eliminates
prions, which may be present in the animal material used in MBM
production. However, it has been stressed that neither this nor any
other method used can guarantee that all prions are completely
neutralized. Woprkers employed in utilizing plants, which produce MBM,
plants producing fertilizers and animal fodder, power stations using
MBM as an alternative fuel, MBM store-houses, as well as those dealing
with MBM distribution and transport form occupational groups at a
higher risk. In the opinion of experts, the risk of infection with
prions among workers having contact with MBM is very low and it should
be regarded as acceptable for this kind of exposure. It is worth noting
that guidelines on how to prevent and reduce contacts with MBM has
already been elaborated. Med Pr 2008;59(1)75-78
Key words
meat and bone meal (MBM), prions, occupational exposure