Abstract

Introduction. The work environment in meat-production enterprises is characterized by regular occupational exposure to microorganisms, organic aerosols, and other biological factors. Long-term occupational exposure may lead to alterations in the upper respiratory tract microbiota, increased colonization by opportunistic microorganisms, and changes in immunological reactivity. This study aimed to comprehensively assess alterations in the upper respiratory tract microbiological profile and immunological parameters among workers employed in meat-production enterprises. Materials and Methods. The study included workers employed in livestock farming, poultry farming, horse breeding, and sausage production. Microbiological examination of biological samples collected from the upper respiratory tract was performed to determine the species composition and frequency of detected microorganisms. Immunological status was assessed by measuring serum concentrations of IgM, IgG, IgE, IL-4, IL-6, and procalcitonin. The obtained parameters were compared with those of a control group and statistically analyzed according to production sector. Results. In 70.0% of the examined workers, pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms were detected alongside the normal upper respiratory tract microbiota. Candida spp. were detected in 44.4% of workers, Staphylococcus aureus in 38.9%, and Escherichia coli in 37.8%. Immunological assessment revealed production sector-specific alterations in humoral immune parameters and inflammatory mediators. Compared with the control group, IL-6 levels were approximately 6.0-fold higher in livestock workers, 4.6-fold higher in poultry workers, 4.3-fold higher in horse-breeding workers, and 3.8-fold higher in sausage-production workers. Significant alterations in IgM, IgG, IgE, IL-4, and procalcitonin levels were also observed compared with controls. Conclusion. Alterations in the upper respiratory tract microbiota among meat-production workers were accompanied by changes in humoral immune responses and activation of inflammatory mediators. The integrated assessment of microbiological and immunological parameters may be valuable for identifying early biological effects associated with occupational exposure and for improving preventive measures in occupational health.