[Incidence and enzymatic properties of yeast-like fungi. Examination of workers of various departments of the District Meat-Processing Industry in Białystok].

Abstract

In a group of 111 workers of the District Meat Processing Plant clinical examination of the skin and cultures for Candida organisms were performed. The proteolytic and lipolytic properties of these fungi were analysed. From the interdigital spaces of hands 42 strains were isolated, with the species Candida albicans accounting for 13.5% of the strains (15). Case history and the character of skin lesions on the hands and forearms suggested that they were caused by skin contact with meat and internal organs producing the so called "gut eczema" while Candida was secondary agent causing exacerbation of skin changes.