Prevalence of hepatitis B virus markers in municipal solid waste workers in Keratsini (Greece).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers among municipal solid waste workers (MSWWs) in Keratsini (Greece).


METHODS
We assessed in a cross-sectional study the prevalence of biological markers of HBV infection (HbsAg, anti-Hbc, anti-Hbs) and their association with exposure to waste and other socio-demographic factors in 166 municipal employees in Keratsini (Greece).


RESULTS
The prevalence of anti-Hbc (+) did differ significantly between exposed and non-exposed employees to waste. Older employees had a significantly higher prevalence of anti-Hbc (+). MSWWs who were anti-Hbc (+) were less educated than non-exposed employees. Logistic regression analysis has shown that the exposure to waste and age were independently associated with the anti-Hbc positivity.


CONCLUSIONS
Occupational exposure to waste is possibly associated with the acquisition of HBV infection. Immunization of MSWWs should be considered to reduce the risk of HBV infection.
Dounias
G
G
Department of Occupational and Industrial Hygene, National School of Public Health, Athens, Greece. gdunias@otenet.gr
Kypraiou
E
E
Rachiotis
G
G
Tsovili
E
E
Kostopoulos
S
S
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D015995:Prevalence; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D018505:Waste Management
D015415:Biomarkers; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens