Risks linked to accidental inoculation of humans with veterinary vaccines: a 7-year prospective study

Abstract

Aim: Accidental inoculation of humans with veterinary vaccines can lead to early and late complications. The aim of our study is to describe these complications and their risk factors.

Methods: Prospective observational study conducted from 2007 to 2014 at Angers University Hospital’s Poison Control Centre. The endpoints examined were: early and late locoregional complications, surgical treatment, and absence from work. The statistical analysis was based on a multivariate analysis.

Discussion: The presence of mineral oil adjuvants, the injection of the vaccine under pressure and injection in joint and tendon of the hand significantly increased early locoregional complications and surgery but only the presence of mineral oil adjuvant increased significantly late locoregional complications at one month. Absence from work is significantly correlated to the site of injection and the presence of mineral oil adjuvant.

Conclusion: It is important to know about the contents of the veterinary vaccine in order to anticipate early and late complications that may arise (particularly due to the presence of mineral oil adjuvants). Special attention must also be given do the site of injection. We think that any accidental injection of veterinary vaccine into humans, especially those containing mineral oils, must lead to an early medical consultation. This must also be indicated on the product.

Keywords:

• Mineral oil
• veterinary vaccines
• vaccines under pressure
• accidental inoculations
• septic complications

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.