Co-Occurrence of DNA and Specific Antibodies in the Human Eye.

is a swine pathogen that causes economic losses due to reproductive failure. Recently, has been detected in human eyes. However, knowledge of the zoonotic potential is still limited. infections in swine could present a risk for public health because (1) tetracycline-resistant strains are emerging in the pork industry, (2) tetracycline resistance gene transfers from to the human pathogen and as previously demonstrated, (3) and can be both present in the human eye. Pig farmers were sampled during a seminar in West-Flanders. Conjunctival swabs for detection of and and for the detection of mucosal antibodies against and were collected. The farmers completed a questionnaire designed to assess information on the following: (1) the health status of their pigs, (2) administration of veterinary drugs, (3) their professional and nonprofessional activities, (4) general health status, (5) smoking habits, (6) use of medication, (7) allergies, and (8) clinical signs/history. Thirty-three on 40 (82.5%) farmers participated. None of the conjunctival swabs contained DNA and mucosal antibodies against were not detected. Six of 33 (18.2%) farmers had DNA in their eyes and 22 of 33 (67%) swabs contained -specific mucosal antibodies. The older the farmer, higher the chance of finding antibodies in the eye. There was a significant correlation between the presence of conjunctivitis in the pigs and the occurrence of DNA in the eye of their owner. This study shows that may transfer from pigs to the human eye as specific mucosal antibodies were detected in conjunctivae of pig farmers. Veterinarians, general practitioners, and occupational physicians should be aware of the zoonotic potential of .