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G. Dounias, E. Kypraiou, G. Rachiotis, E. Tsovili, S. Kostopoulos, Prevalence of hepatitis B virus markers in municipal solid waste workers in Keratsini (Greece), Occupational Medicine, Volume 55, Issue 1, January 2005, Pages 60–63, https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqi007
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Abstract
Aim 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.
Conclusion 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.
Author notes
1Department of Occupational and Industrial Hygiene, National School Of Public Health, Athens, Greece 2Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Elefsina General Hospital, Thriasion, Greece