[Health aspects of antibiotic manufacture with particular emphasis on respiratory and genital disturbances (author's transl)].

Sixty-seven workers employed in incapsulating and manufacturing antibiotics were studied by the authors by means of questionnaire, environmental survey, clinical examination and hematochemical, immunologic and microbiological determinations. The main features of respiratory and genital disturbances are discussed. Two cases of occupational asthma due to ampicillin were detected. Twenty-four out of forty-five female workers were found to be affected with vaginitis (due to Candida albicans in fourteen): a relationship with the working environment is hypothesized. The digestive tract disturbances are reported and the prevalence of dental discoloration is stressed. Finally the psycho-pathological pattern of the factory workers is outlined.