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Tolera ST, Temesgen S, Mulat Endalew S, Alamirew TS, Temesgen LM. Global systematic review of occupational health and safety outcomes among sanitation and hygiene workers. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1304977. [PMID: 38174086 PMCID: PMC10763668 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1304977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sanitary workers are exposed to a variety of occupational hazards in a variety of working environments, which can result in occupational-related outcomes. As a result, the goal of this review was to identify occupational health and safety outcomes among sanitary workers worldwide. Methods PRISMA was used as flow diagram and PICOS was used review questions. The studies published in English were searched from databases and others methods ranging from 2000 to 2022. Boolean logic (AND, OR), MeSH, and keywords used: (Occupation *OR Job *OR Work) AND (Occupational related respiratory Symptoms *OR Disease) AND [Solid waste collectors (SWCs) *OR Street sweepers (SS) *OR Sewage workers and waste treatment (STWs)] AND (Countries). Results A total of 228 studies were identified from 23 countries across the world. Studies were found via PubMed (n = 40), Medline (n = 25), Embase (n = 11) and Global Health (n = 66) and Google scholar (n = 63) and from previous (n = 23). From 8,962 of eligible sanitary workers, about 4,742 (54%), 1714 (19%) and 1,441 (16%) were sewage, sweepers and solid waste workers, respectively. A total study (n = 51) were eligible for occupational health and safety outcomes. Of these, respiratory problems accounted 27 (52%) and Gastroenteritis 14 (27%). Conclusion Despite a large number of studies to date provides sanitary employees all over the world face occupational-related risks, hence more research is needed to enhance and quantify illness burden among sanitary workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Temesgen Tolera
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | - Shibiru Temesgen
- Department of Statistics, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Salie Mulat Endalew
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Liku Muche Temesgen
- College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia
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Tolera S, Mengistu DA, Alemu FK, Geremew A, Mulugeta Y, Dirirsa G, Temesgen LM, Diriba W, Mulatu G, Sintie T, Bayu K, Berhanu A. Sero-prevalence of hepatitis viral infections among sanitary workers across worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:404. [PMID: 37312028 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08354-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sanitation or sanitary workers are exposed to hepatitis virus infections because of filthy and dangerous working conditions. The current global systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled sero-prevalence of occupationally associated hepatitis virus infection among them. METHODS Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA), and Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome and study design (PICOS) were used for flow diagram, and review questions, respectively. Four databases other methods were used published articles from 2000 to 2022. Boolean logic (AND, OR), MeSH, and keywords were used: (Occupation *OR Job *OR Work) AND (Hepatitis A *OR Hepatitis B virus *OR Hepatitis C virus *OR Hepatitis E virus) AND (Solid waste collectors [SWCs] *OR Street sweepers [SS] *OR Sewage workers [STWs] *OR health care facilities cleaners [HCFCs)) AND (Countries). Stata MP/17 software was used for pooled prevalence analysis, meta-regression analysis (Hedges) at a 95% confidence interval (CI:95%). RESULTS A total of 182 studies were identified studies, a total of 28 studies were included from twelve countries. Of these, from developed (n = 7) and developing countries (n = 5). From total a of 9049 sanitary workers, 5951(66%), 2280 (25%) and 818 (9%) were STWs, SWCs and SS, respectively. Globally, the pooled sero-prevalence of occupational-related hepatitis viral infections among sanitary workers was 38.06% (95% CI: 30-0.46.12). Of this, it was 42.96% (95% CI: 32.63-53.29) and 29.81% (95% CI: 17.59-42.02) for high-income and low-income countries, respectively. Meanwhile, by sub-analysis, the highest pooled sero-prevalence of hepatitis viral infections by categories, type and year were 47.66% (95%CI: 37.42-57.90), 48.45% (95% CI: 37.95-58.96), and 48.30% (95% CI: 36.13-60.47) for SWTs, HAV, and 2000 to 2010 year, respectively. CONCLUSION The consistency of the evidence suggests that sanitation workers, particularly sewage workers, are susceptible to occupationally acquired hepatitis regardless of their working conditions, necessitating significant changes to occupational health and safety regulations from governmental policies and other initiatives to reduce risks among sanitary workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sina Tolera
- School of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O.Box:235, Harar, Ethiopia.
| | - Dechasa Adare Mengistu
- School of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O.Box:235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Fekade Ketema Alemu
- School of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O.Box:235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Geremew
- School of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O.Box:235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Yohannes Mulugeta
- School of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O.Box:235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Gebisa Dirirsa
- School of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O.Box:235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Liku Muche Temesgen
- School of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O.Box:235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Wegene Diriba
- School of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O.Box:235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Gutema Mulatu
- School of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O.Box:235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tamagnu Sintie
- School of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O.Box:235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Kefelegn Bayu
- School of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O.Box:235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Ashenafi Berhanu
- School of Environmental Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, P.O.Box:235, Harar, Ethiopia
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Oza HH, Lee MG, Boisson S, Pega F, Medlicott K, Clasen T. Occupational health outcomes among sanitation workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 240:113907. [PMID: 34942466 PMCID: PMC8837624 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sanitation workers are essential to global public health and societal wellbeing. However, the health risks and outcomes associated with exposure to occupational risk factors among sanitation workers are neither well understood nor well quantified. We undertook a systematic review to (1) identify occupational risk factors among sanitation workers and (2) assess the effect of occupational exposure to human fecal sludge and wastewater on selected health outcomes among these workers. METHODS We searched four databases (i.e., PubMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS) for eligible studies from inception through to January 01, 2020. The included population was workers ≥15 years engaged, formally or informally, in installing, operating, servicing, cleaning or emptying a sanitation technology at any step of the sanitation chain. The included comparator was workers in other occupations or the general population. Eligible outcomes were: mortality (any or all causes), gastroenteritis, occupational injuries, respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental and social health conditions. Risk of bias was assessed separately on exposure assessment and health outcome using a modified Liverpool Quality Assessment Tool (LQAT). We pooled sufficiently homogenous studies using inverse variance meta-analysis with random effects. RESULTS A total of 65 studies (9 cohort studies, 56 cross-sectional studies) met the inclusion criteria. One quarter of studies (n = 15) were from middle-income countries. Few studies assessed occupational risk factor exposures directly; most assigned exposure via proxy of occupation of sanitation worker. We judged nearly all studies to have "high risk of bias" in exposure and outcome assessment. Despite these limitations, the consistency of the overall evidence suggests that sanitation workers are at increased risk of gastroenteritis and respiratory conditions, and may be at increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders and mental/social health conditions. The pooled odds ratio for hepatitis A--the only outcome deemed suitable for meta-analysis--was 2.09 (95% Predicted Interval: 1.39-3.00, 12 studies). There was conflicting evidence from studies of increased risk of mortality; only one study reported on injuries. CONCLUSION Despite a large number of studies, there is limited evidence to date of the health risks faced by sanitation workers, particularly among groups that may be at particular risk-- women, informal workers and those living in low-income countries. Nevertheless, the research to date provides suggestive evidence of elevated occupational risk among sanitation workers across a range of health condition. More research is needed to improve the current bodies of evidence for all included health outcomes to be able to quantify disease burden among this occupational group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemali Harish Oza
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Madison Gabriella Lee
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sophie Boisson
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frank Pega
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kate Medlicott
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Clasen
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Nelson NP, Weng MK, Hofmeister MG, Moore KL, Doshani M, Kamili S, Koneru A, Haber P, Hagan L, Romero JR, Schillie S, Harris AM. Prevention of Hepatitis A Virus Infection in the United States: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2020. MMWR Recomm Rep 2020; 69:1-38. [PMID: 32614811 PMCID: PMC8631741 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr6905a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HEPATITIS A IS A VACCINE-PREVENTABLE, COMMUNICABLE DISEASE OF THE LIVER CAUSED BY THE HEPATITIS A VIRUS (HAV). THE INFECTION IS TRANSMITTED VIA THE FECAL-ORAL ROUTE, USUALLY FROM DIRECT PERSON-TO-PERSON CONTACT OR CONSUMPTION OF CONTAMINATED FOOD OR WATER. HEPATITIS A IS AN ACUTE, SELF-LIMITED DISEASE THAT DOES NOT RESULT IN CHRONIC INFECTION. HAV ANTIBODIES (IMMUNOGLOBULIN G [IGG] ANTI-HAV) PRODUCED IN RESPONSE TO HAV INFECTION PERSIST FOR LIFE AND PROTECT AGAINST REINFECTION; IGG ANTI-HAV PRODUCED AFTER VACCINATION CONFER LONG-TERM IMMUNITY. THIS REPORT SUPPLANTS AND SUMMARIZES PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON IMMUNIZATION PRACTICES (ACIP) REGARDING THE PREVENTION OF HAV INFECTION IN THE UNITED STATES. ACIP RECOMMENDS ROUTINE VACCINATION OF CHILDREN AGED 12-23 MONTHS AND CATCH-UP VACCINATION FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS AGED 2-18 YEARS WHO HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED HEPATITIS A (HEPA) VACCINE AT ANY AGE. ACIP RECOMMENDS HEPA VACCINATION FOR ADULTS AT RISK FOR HAV INFECTION OR SEVERE DISEASE FROM HAV INFECTION AND FOR ADULTS REQUESTING PROTECTION AGAINST HAV WITHOUT ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF A RISK FACTOR. THESE RECOMMENDATIONS ALSO PROVIDE GUIDANCE FOR VACCINATION BEFORE TRAVEL, FOR POSTEXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS, IN SETTINGS PROVIDING SERVICES TO ADULTS, AND DURING OUTBREAKS.
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Seo JY, Choi BY, Ki M, Jang HL, Park HS, Son HJ, Bae SH, Kang JH, Jun DW, Lee JW, Hong YJ, Kim YS, Kim CH, Chang UI, Kim JH, Yang HW, Kim HS, Park KB, Hwang JS, Heo J, Kim IH, Kim JS, Cheon GJ. Risk factors for acute hepatitis A infection in Korea in 2007 and 2009: a case-control study. J Korean Med Sci 2013; 28:908-14. [PMID: 23772157 PMCID: PMC3678009 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2013.28.6.908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with acute hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in the Korean population. Participants were recruited from five referral hospitals across the country in 2007 and from 11 hospitals in 2009. Patients with positive anti-HAV IgM antibody tests became the case group, while patients treated for non-contagious diseases at the same hospitals were recruited as controls. A total of 222 and 548 case-control pairs were studied in the 2007 and 2009 surveys, respectively. Data from the surveys were analyzed jointly. In a multivariate analysis, sharing the household with HAV-infected family members (OR, 6.32; 95% CI, 1.4-29.6), contact with other HAV-infected individuals (OR, 4.73; 95% CI, 2.4-9.4), overseas travel in 2007 (OR, 19.93; 95% CI, 2.3-174.4), consumption of raw shellfish (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.8-3.5), drinking bottled water (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.3-8.4), and occupation that involve handling food (OR, 3.30; 95% CI, 1.3-8.4) increased the risk of HAV infection. Avoiding contact with HAV-infected individuals and avoiding raw foods eating could help minimize the risk of hepatitis A infection. Immunization must be beneficial to individuals who handle food ingredients occupationally or travel overseas to HAV-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo Youn Seo
- Department of Preventive Medicine/Institute of Community Health, Hanyang University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bo Youl Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine/Institute of Community Health, Hanyang University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moran Ki
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Eulji University, School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hye Lim Jang
- Department of Preventive Medicine/Institute of Community Health, Hanyang University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hee Suk Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine/Institute of Community Health, Hanyang University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Son
- Division of Public Health Crisis Response, Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cheongwon, Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin Han Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dae Won Jun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin-Woo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Young Jin Hong
- Department of Pediatrics, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Young Seok Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Chang-Hwi Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
| | - U Im Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Hyun Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, Korea
| | | | - Hong Soo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Kyeong Bae Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Jae Seok Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jeong Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
| | - In Hee Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National Unversity Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Jung Soo Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Chonbuk National Unversity Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Gab Jin Cheon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea
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Seo JY, Seo JH, Kim MH, Ki M, Park HS, Choi BY. Pattern of hepatitis a incidence according to area characteristics using national health insurance data. J Prev Med Public Health 2012; 45:164-73. [PMID: 22712043 PMCID: PMC3374966 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.2012.45.3.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2011] [Accepted: 10/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Over the past several years, the incidence of hepatitis A infection has been increasing rapidly in the young-adult population in Korea. We examined the effects of area-level socioeconomic status and environmental hygiene on the incidence of hepatitis A. Methods This study is based on the registered national population of Korea and the national health insurance data from 2004 to 2008. A total of 73 459 individuals were confirmed to have had hepatitis A. The standardized incidences of hepatitis A in 232 districts adjusted for sex and age of people were calculated for each year, and the rate ratios of the incidence rates were estimated according to area-level socioeconomic status and environmental hygiene using multiple Poisson regression models. Results The incidence rates of hepatitis A infection were 15.6 (per 100 000) in 2004, 19.0 (per 100 000) in 2005, 27.2 (per 100 000) in 2006, 25.1 (per 100 000) in 2007, and 61.7 (per 100 000) in 2008. The analysis of the area-level effects showed that residential areas of the less deprived than other regions, areas with higher levels of education, and heavily populated areas were significantly associated with increased risk. Conclusions There is a very strong possibility that both area-level socioeconomic status and environmental hygiene play a role in increasing the risk of hepatitis A infection in Korea. Therefore, to reduce hepatitis A infection, we need a nationwide strategy that considers these area-level characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo Youn Seo
- Department of Preventive Medicine/Institute of Community Health, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Montuori P, Negrone M, Cacace G, Triassi M. Wastewater workers and hepatitis A virus infection. Occup Med (Lond) 2009; 59:506-8. [DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqp092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Smit LAM, Spaan S, Heederik D. Endotoxin exposure and symptoms in wastewater treatment workers. Am J Ind Med 2005; 48:30-9. [PMID: 15940720 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wastewater treatment workers can be exposed to biological and chemical agents resulting in work-related health effects. The aim of this study was to investigate work-related symptoms in these workers. METHODS Questionnaire data of 468 employees from 67 sewage treatment plants is evaluated. Personal endotoxin exposure (8 hr measurements; n = 460) was measured in a sample of workers in three different periods over 1 year. RESULTS Endotoxin exposure ranged from 0.6 to 2093 endotoxin units (EU)/m(3), the geometric mean exposure was low (27 EU/m(3)). Factor analysis yielded three clusters of correlated symptoms: "lower respiratory and skin symptoms," "flu-like and systemic symptoms," and "upper respiratory symptoms." Symptoms appeared to be more prevalent in workers exposed to endotoxin levels higher than 50 EU/m(3). A significant dose-response relationship was found for "lower respiratory and skin symptoms" and "flu-like and systemic symptoms" (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Wastewater treatment workers reported a wide range of symptoms that may be work-related. Microbial exposures such as endotoxin seem to play a causal role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidwien A M Smit
- Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences, Utrecht University, PO Box 80176, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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van den Berg H, Lodder W, van der Poel W, Vennema H, de Roda Husman AM. Genetic diversity of noroviruses in raw and treated sewage water. Res Microbiol 2005; 156:532-40. [PMID: 15862452 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2005.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2004] [Revised: 08/06/2004] [Accepted: 01/06/2005] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Human noroviruses cause gastroenteritis in humans, leading to high virus loads in sewage. Norovirus concentrations in raw and treated sewage samples from two sewage treatment plants (STP) were studied, along with virus removal and genetic diversity. Over one year, the average norovirus concentrations in raw sewage were approximately 10(5) pcr detectable units (pdu) per liter compared with 10(3) pdu/l of treated sewage. Similar sewage treatment processes at STP-A and STP-B led to 2.7 and 2.0 log(10)-units of virus removal, respectively. In total, 11 different norovirus variants were detected in 49 out of 53 sewage samples, with up to four different norovirus strains in a single sewage sample. Along with GGI.6 Sindlesham and GGII.2 Melksham, the GGIIb variant was one of the most prevalent noroviruses in both raw and treated sewage. This strain emerged among populations in Europe in 2000 and 2001. Treated sewage containing 10(2)-10(3) norovirus pdu is discharged into the surface water. The use of such fecally contaminated surface waters for shellfish culture, drinking water production and recreational purposes poses a potential health risk. We showed the presence of multiple norovirus strains in raw and treated sewage, confirming the need to clone before sequencing the RT-PCR products. Exposure to multiple norovirus strains in sewage contaminated food or water may lead to the occurrence of norovirus recombinants, which may be more virulent and pathogenic than the norovirus strains already circulating in the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harold van den Berg
- Microbiological Laboratory for Health Protection, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Tooher R, Griffin T, Shute E, Maddern G. Vaccinations for waste-handling workers. A review of the literature. WASTE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH : THE JOURNAL OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOLID WASTES AND PUBLIC CLEANSING ASSOCIATION, ISWA 2005; 23:79-86. [PMID: 15751399 DOI: 10.1177/0734242x05048037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
A review of the literature relating to the need for vaccination against infectious disease in the solid waste industry was conducted, focusing on hepatitis A, hepatitis B and tetanus. Databases (Medline, PreMedline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Current Contents, Cochrane Database, HTA Database, DARE, OSHROM) were searched up to and including August 2003. Articles were included in the review if they reported the prevalence of immunity to hepatitis A, hepatitis B or tetanus in solid waste workers or the incidence of clinical infection with any of these diseases. Papers about hazardous or medical waste, incineration or other infectious diseases were excluded. Forty-four papers constituted the evidence database. Only one paper studied the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis A and hepatitis B in solid waste workers compared with sewage plant workers and office workers, and no difference was found between these groups of workers. There was some evidence to support a theoretical risk of infection with hepatitis A, B and tetanus; however, no studies could be found of the risk of these diseases in solid waste workers. No single cases of these diseases being acquired occupationally in solid waste management were identified in the literature. Workers in the solid waste industry may theoretically be at increased risk of acquiring infectious diseases occupationally. However, at present no studies could be found which have documented this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Tooher
- ASERNIP-S, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Adelaide, South Australia
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