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Bioabsorption and effectiveness of long-lasting permethrin-treated uniforms over three months among North Carolina outdoor workers

Authors :
Kristin M. Sullivan
Alison Poffley
Sheana Funkhouser
Jeffrey Driver
John Ross
Maria Ospina
Antonia M. Calafat
Charles B. Beard
Avian White
Jo Anne Balanay
Stephanie Richards
Megan Dyer
Thomas N. Mather
Steven Meshnick
Source :
Parasites & Vectors, Vol 12, Iss 1, Pp 1-9 (2019)
Publication Year :
2019
Publisher :
BMC, 2019.

Abstract

Abstract Background Vector-borne diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the USA. Effective, convenient prevention methods are needed. Long-lasting permethrin-impregnated (LLPI) clothing can prevent tick bites, however, additional information is needed on the real-world effectiveness and safety of this preventative measure. Methods In this pilot study, we recruited state and county park employees from North Carolina to wear LLPI uniforms for three months during the summer of 2016. We collected spot urine samples for biomonitoring of permethrin metabolites at one week, one month and three months after first use of the LLPI uniform. Following three months of wear, we collected pants and socks and analyzed them for permethrin content and mortality to ticks and mosquitoes. Results Thirteen park employees were included in the analysis. Bioactive amounts of permethrin remained in all clothing swatches tested, although there was great variability. Tick mortality was high, with 78% of pant and 88% of sock swatches having mean knockdown percentages ≥ 85%. In contrast, mosquito mortality was low. Over the study period, the absorbed dosage of permethrin averaged < 4 μg/kg/d of body weight based on measurements of three metabolites. Conclusions LLPI clothing retained permethrin and bioactivity against ticks after three months of use in real-world conditions. The estimated absorbed dosage of permethrin was well below the U.S. EPA level of concern, suggesting that LLPI clothing can be used safely by outdoor workers for tick bite prevention.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
17563305
Volume :
12
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Parasites & Vectors
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.f0c640fa32e040a7bee64ebe93612c9e
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-019-3314-1