Municipal waste collectors and hepatitis B and C virus infection: a cross-sectional study

Infez Med. 2014 Dec;22(4):271-6.

Abstract

There is some evidence that municipal waste collectors are at risk of Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV). Published information on risk of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection among waste collectors is scant. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and possible risk factors of HBV and HCV infections among waste collectors in a municipality of the broader region of Attica, Greece. A cross-sectional sero-prevalence study was conducted in a municipality of the broader region of Attica, Greece. Fifty waste collectors participated in the study (response rate: 95%). The group of municipal waste collectors was compared to a convenient sample of white collar employees not exposed to waste (No 83). Waste collectors recorded a significantly higher prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection (anti-HBc positivity) in comparison to the reference group (15% vs. 2.5%, respectively; p .001). Waste collectors who reported frequent exposure to needle-stick injuries had higher risk of HBV infection (RR 8.28; 95% CI 1.076-63.79; p 0.033). Only one municipal waste collector was anti-HCV positive. Our study corroborates previous results of an increased prevalence of Hepatitis B infection among municipal waste collectors. In addition we found that needle stick injuries were associated with the risk of HBV infection. By contrast, HCV infection does not seem to represent a significant occupational hazard among waste collectors. Vaccination against HBV among municipal solid waste collectors and promotion and use of safer methods for the collection of non-hospital medical waste could represent potential measures for the prevention of Hepatitis B Virus infection among municipal waste collectors.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cities
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Greece / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis B / blood*
  • Hepatitis B / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / blood
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / blood
  • Hepatitis C / blood*
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis C / epidemiology*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Needlestick Injuries
  • Occupational Diseases / blood*
  • Occupational Diseases / diagnosis
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Waste Disposal Facilities*

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens