Respiratory symptoms in insect breeders.

Background: A number of specialist food suppliers in the UK breed and distribute insects and insect larvae as food for exotic pets, such as reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.

Aims: To investigate the extent of work-related (WR) symptoms and workplace-specific serum IgE in workers potentially exposed to a variety of biological contaminants, including insect and insect larvae allergens, endotoxin and cereal allergens at a UK specialist insect breeding facility.

Methods: We undertook a study of respiratory symptoms and exposures at the facility, with subsequent detailed clinical assessment of one worker.

Are we failing workers with symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma?

Aims: To assess the route to secondary care for patients with possible occupational asthma, and to document the duration of workrelated symptoms and referral times.

Methods: Consecutive patients with suspected occupational asthma were recruited to a case series from six secondary care clinics with an interest in occupational asthma. Semi-structured interviews were performed and hospital case notes were reviewed to summarise relevant investigations and diagnosis.

Facilities for investigating occupational asthma in UK non-specialist respiratory departments.

Background: The facilities which should be available to physicians offering specialist occupational asthma services have recently been agreed upon by a UK panel of experts.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate whether these facilities are available in UK non-specialist secondary care respiratory departments and to document tertiary care referral patterns.

Methods: A random sample of 100 UK respiratory units was selected, and the lead consultant invited to participate.