Endotoxin, a characteristic external fraction of the outer membrane from Gram-negative bacteria, continuously shed into the environment, is considered as an important risk factor for human health. Our purpose was to study the bacterial species contaminating healthy working environments. Airborne, working surfaces and carpet dust samples were collected from 25 offices. Bacterial species were identified with biochemical ApiSystem® strips. Endotoxin concentrations in settled dust were measured with the kinetic chromogenic Limulus assay. The airborne bacterial level varied from 44-2,511, with a median of 277 cfu/m3. Bacterial contamination on surfaces ranged from 1-1000, with 33 cfu/25 cm2 as median value. On carpets, bacterial concentration ranged from 0.73-185 x 105 cfu/g, with 7.28 x 105 cfu/g as median value. Endotoxin concentration varied from 4.6-116.2 EU/mg, with a median of 20.3 EU/mg. Altogether, 501 bacterial strains were isolated. The species variability was greater in Gram-negative bacteria than in Gram-positive cocci with 41 versus 34 various species. In conclusion, people working in healthy offices can be exposed to large concentrations of airborne and dust bacteria and related endotoxin concentrations, giving a risk of work-related diseases.
Samples of settled dust were collected in 14 animal houses and examined for the presence of bacterial endotoxin with the Limulus (LAL) test and the gas chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MSMS) technique, based on the detection of 3- hydroxy fatty acids (3-OH-FAs) as chemical markers of the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide. The median concentrations of the endotoxin in dust determined with LAL test in sheep sheds, poultry houses, and horse stables were 15,687.5 µg/g, 8,081.8 µg/g, and 79.3 µg/g, respectively, while those determined with the GC-MSMS technique were 868.0 µg/g, 580.0 µg/g, and 496.0 µg/g, respectively. Statistical comparison of the results yielded with LAL test and GC-MSMS technique revealed a weak correlation between both methods. Fatty acids with 14-16 carbon chains (3-OH-C₁₄ and 3-OH-C₁₆) were predominant in the settled dust of the facilities under study. In conclusion, endotoxin in the concentrations detected in this study may present a respiratory hazard to both livestock animals and farm workers. Thus, the prevention measures aiming to lower the exposure to endotoxin in livestock facilities are highly desirable.