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Candida spp. isolated from both humans and animals have a similar genotype. Properties of Candida spp. specific for different host species have not been isolated, followed by studies indicating that animals can be a reservoir of these fungi for humans. Occupational exposure concerns workers who have direct contact with farm animals, i.e., farmers, breeders, veterinarians, farm technicians. Hand dermatitis and fungal infection may be caused by prolonged exposure to water and occlusive gloves. The risk of fungal infection is estimated to be high for seafood workers, florists, hairdressers, bakers and cooks, gastronomy workers and healthcare workers. Even though Candida spp. are effective as saprophytic, in the event of a weakening of the function or disturbance of homeostasis, the risk of developing an additional form of candidiasis is increasing due to the intensification of animal production, environmental changes and the excessive use of antibiotics to treat infections in humans and animals. Employers and workers should adopt appropriate strategies to reduce factors conductive to Candida spp. infection at professional work. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2023;74(5):425–33.

Background This study is aimed at evaluating the awareness among hunters and foresters concerning the activities undertaken for the prevention of Borrelia burgdorferi infections. Material and Methods The study group included 236 hunters from Poland and 339 foresters from Ukraine. The study was based on an original questionnaire including questions which concerned the applied methods of removing ticks attached to the skin, the kind of preventive measures undertaken to avoid tick bites, the evaluation of knowledge concerning the prevention of tick-borne diseases, as well as the participants’ willingness to be educated on this issue. Results Removing a tick with a pair of tweezers by a simple vertical move was more frequently practiced by the hunters (16.5%). Spreading an oily substance over a tick to make it go out on its own was more often applied by the foresters (18.8%). The occurrence of erythema migrans was more frequently reported by the foresters (47.2%). Among the persons declaring no knowledge of the prevention of tick-borne diseases, 77.8% of the hunters and 61.5% of the foresters were willing to gain such knowledge, and 11.1% of the hunters and 21.2% of the foresters did not want any education on this issue. The hunters more often than the foresters applied repellents and checked their body after returning from green areas. Conclusions Education is needed in certain groups undertaking hobby or vocational activities in forest areas of Poland and Ukraine. It seems reasonable to undertake research on the preferences concerning the choice of repellents among the groups at risk of tick bites. Med Pr. 2020;71(1):59–68

Introduction: In spite of the restrictions associated with the sale of medicinal products over the past 8 years, the over-the-counter drug sales have nearly doubled. This is caused by a broad access to pharmaceuticals, abandonment of professional medical advice, and too many long queues to the general practitioner. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to investigate the dependence in the use of over-the-counter analgesics among three age groups: students (generation I), their parents (generation II) and grandparents (generation III). Material and Methods: The research group consisted of 203 persons (150 women and 53 men) between 19 and 92 years of age (mean age: 48 years, SD: 22.18). The study used a diagnostic questionnaire based on the author’s questionnaire which asked the respondents about their health status and preferences in taking medicines. Results: The most commonly prescribed active ingredient for pain relievers in OTC drugs is ibuprofen (116 people - 65.91%). Then comes paracetamolum, which is chosen by 95 persons (53.98%). Acidum acetylsalicylicum attracts 58 people (32.95%). Less common are such substances as metamizol sodium, diclofenac and naproxenum. About 176 out of 203 respondents (86.70%) declare taking OTC painkillers “on their own”, 61 of them (85.92%) in generation I, 64 (90.14%) in generation II and 51 (83.61%) in generation III. Conclusions: The frequency of taking OTC painkillers in the members of particular generations of the family depends on their age. Older persons (15%) more often take analgesics several times a day. Only (1.4%) of the young do it. On the other hand, a considerably higher percentage of young people (75.7%) use such medications sporadically.

Background: The presence of co-infections induced by tick-borne pathogens in humans is an important epidemiological phenomenon. This issue has attracted growing attention of doctors and people working under conditions of an increased risk of being exposed to tick bites. Material and Methods: The research group consisted of 93 individuals with current anti-immunoglobulin M/G (IgM/ IgG) Borrelia burgdorferi or IgG anti-Anaplasma phagocytophilum. The respondents were identified during the screening survey in a group of farmers and foresters occupationally exposed to tick bites. The aim of the work was to analyse the frequency of antibodies to specific antigens of B. burgdorferi and the levels of cytokines in forestry workers and farmers with B. burgdorferi monoinfections and B. burgdorferi / A. phagocytophilum co-infections. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi2, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results: There is a stronger generation of IgG antibodies to B. burgdorferi antigens in patients with B. burgdorferi / A. phagocytophilum co-infections, such as variable major protein-like sequence expressed (VlsE) (p < 0.05), p19 (p < 0.02), p17 (p < 0.05) and complement regulator-acquiring surface protein 3 (CRASP3) (p < 0.02) compared to persons with B. burgdorferi monoinfections. The discrepancies in the synthesis of cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) have not been found in persons with B. burgdorferi monoinfections and B. burgdorferi / A. phagocytophilum co-infection. Conclusions: The immune response directed against B. burgdorferi is stronger in patients co-infected with B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum than in those with monoinfection. Med Pr 2015;66(5):645–651

Background: The aim of the work was to analyze the incidence of infection with Borrelia burgdorferi in forestry workers and farmers, major groups occupationally exposed to tick bites. Material and Methods: The study group included 275 workers (171 foresters and 104 farmers). The control group consisted of 45 people, who have not been occupationally exposed to tick bites. The screening Elisa and Wb tests for the presence of anti-Borrelia IgM/IgG antibodies were performed in all subjects of the study and control groups. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi2 test. Results: The positive results denoting the presence of anti-Borrelia IgM/IgG antibodies were found in 55% of farmers and 28% of foresters occupationally exposed to Lyme borreliosis and coming from the area of South Podlasie Lowland and Lublin Polesie. The differences between the forestry workers and the control group (p ≤ 0.00001) and between farmers and the control group (p ≤ 0.001) were statistically significant. The species, such as B. spielmanii and B. bavariensis, which have not yet been reported in Poland, are significant etiologic agents of Lyme disease. Conclusion: The risk of occupational exposure to the B. burgdorferi infection is high for foresters and farmers, and the infection with spirochetes is frequently confirmed on the basis of positive results of the Wb test. The presence of specific antibodies against protein antigens of B. spielmanii and B. bavariensis suggest that these bacteria can cause Lyme disease both independently and in participation with other Borrelia species, which influences the development of the clinical manifestations of infection. Med Pr 2014;65(1):109–117