Increased risk of hepatitis E in sewage workers from India.
Considering feco-oral transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV), the risk of the infection was assessed among sewage workers. On the basis of the close contact with sewage, the participants (n = 147) were divided into sewage workers (n = 92) and others (n = 55); none used personal protective equipment (eg, coveralls, boots, gloves) Age-matched individuals from lower socioeconomic status and without any exposure to sewage were used as controls. IgG-anti-HEV positivity in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was significantly higher (P < 0.01) among staff members (83/147, 56.5%) than the controls (19%). A significant rise in anti-HEV positivity (P < 0.05) was recorded in sewage workers working for >5 years. Multivariate regression analysis identified contact with sewage as the independent variable associated with anti-HEV positivity. Strict adherence to good working practices must take top priority for protection of these workers from sewage pathogens.
Vaidya
Sunil R
SR
National institute of Virology 20-A, Dr Ambedkar Road, Pune, India.
Tilekar
Bipin N
BN
Walimbe
Atul M
AM
Arankalle
Vidya A
VA
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D016751:Hepatitis E / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D016752:Hepatitis E virus / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012722:Sewage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012923:Social Class
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D012722:Sewage