Neurologic symptoms and neuropathologic antibodies in poultry workers exposed to Campylobacter jejuni.

OBJECTIVES

To examine associations between occupational exposure to live poultry with Campylobacter exposure, Campylobacter-associated neurologic symptoms, and neuropathologic antibodies.

METHODS

Questionnaires, serum samples, and stool specimens were collected from 20 poultry workers and 40 community referents. Campylobacter exposure was evaluated by stool culture and serum antibodies; neurologic symptoms were assessed by questionnaire; and neuropathologic antibodies were measured by serum anti-glycolipid antibody concentrations.

RESULTS

Poultry workers had significantly higher anti-Campylobacter immunoglobulin G titers compared with that of referents (P < 0.05); they were significantly more likely to report multiple Campylobacter-associated neurologic symptoms; and male poultry workers had a higher point risk estimate for detectable neuropathologic anti-glycolipid immunoglobulin G titers (P = 0.07) compared with male referents.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that poultry workers are at elevated risk of Campylobacter exposure and may be at elevated risk for Campylobacter-associated neurologic sequelae.