Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/42881
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Type: Journal article
Title: Does using potting mix make you sick? Results from a Legionella longbeachae case-control study in South Australia
Author: O'Connor, B.
Carman, J.
Eckert, K.
Tucker, G.
Givney, R.
Cameron, S.
Citation: Epidemiology and Infection, 2007; 135(1):34-39
Publisher: Cambridge Univ Press
Issue Date: 2007
ISSN: 0950-2688
1469-4409
Statement of
Responsibility: 
O'Connor BA, Carman J, Eckert K, Tucker G, Givney R, Cameron S.
Abstract: A case-control study was performed in South Australia to determine if L. longbeachae infection was associated with recent handling of commercial potting mix and to examine possible modes of transmission. Twenty-five laboratory-confirmed cases and 75 matched controls were enrolled between April 1997 and March 1999. Information on underlying illness, smoking, gardening exposures and behaviours was obtained by telephone interviews. Recent use of potting mix was associated with illness (OR 4.74, 95% CI 1.65-13.55, P=0.004) in bivariate analysis only. Better predictors of illness in multivariate analysis included poor hand-washing practices after gardening, long-term smoking and being near dripping hanging flower pots. Awareness of a possible health risk with potting mix protected against illness. Results are consistent with inhalation and ingestion as possible modes of transmission. Exposure to aerosolized organisms and poor gardening hygiene may be important predisposing factors to L. longbeachae infection.
Keywords: Humans
Legionella longbeachae
Legionellosis
Risk Factors
Case-Control Studies
Soil Microbiology
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Middle Aged
South Australia
Female
Male
Gardening
Surveys and Questionnaires
Provenance: Published online by Cambridge University Press 19 Jun 2006
Rights: Copyright © 2006 Cambridge University Press
DOI: 10.1017/S095026880600656X
Published version: http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=552916&fulltextType=RA&fileId=S095026880600656X
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