Bacillus thuringiensis in fecal samples from greenhouse workers after exposure to B. thuringiensis-based pesticides

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2002 Oct;68(10):4900-5. doi: 10.1128/AEM.68.10.4900-4905.2002.

Abstract

In a study of occupational exposure to Bacillus thuringiensis, 20 exposed greenhouse workers were examined for Bacillus cereus-like bacteria in fecal samples and on biomonitoring filters. Bacteria with the following characteristics were isolated from eight individuals: intracellular crystalline inclusions characteristic of B. thuringiensis, genes for and production of B. cereus enterotoxins, and positivity for cry11 as determined by PCR. DNA fingerprints of the fecal isolates were identical to those of strains isolated from the commercial products used. Work processes (i.e., spraying) correlated with the presence of B. thuringiensis in the fecal samples (10(2) to 10(3) CFU/g of feces). However, no gastrointestinal symptoms correlated with the presence of B. thuringiensis in the fecal samples.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bacillus cereus / genetics
  • Bacillus cereus / isolation & purification
  • Bacillus thuringiensis / classification*
  • Bacillus thuringiensis / genetics
  • Bacillus thuringiensis / isolation & purification*
  • Bacterial Toxins / genetics*
  • DNA Fingerprinting
  • Enterotoxins / toxicity
  • Feces / microbiology*
  • Humans
  • Occupational Exposure / analysis*
  • Pest Control, Biological
  • Pesticides / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Enterotoxins
  • Pesticides