Evaluation of occupational transmission of hepatitis A virus among wastewater workers

J Occup Environ Med. 2000 Jan;42(1):83-7. doi: 10.1097/00043764-200001000-00020.

Abstract

To provide information concerning potential occupational transmission of hepatitis A virus (HAV) among wastewater workers in a large city in the United States, a cross-sectional survey was performed using a saliva test to detect antibodies to HAV (anti-HAV). Fifty-nine (20%) of 302 participants tested positive for anti-HAV. After controlling for the confounding effects of age and race, wastewater work was not significantly associated with an increase in the prevalence of anti-HAV (prevalence ratio = 1.3; 95% confidence interval 0.7 to 2.4). Additionally, when examining only the wastewater workers, no statistically significant occupational risk factors for anti-HAV were identified. The results of this survey are consistent with the position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding groups at risk for HAV infection.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Hepatitis A / transmission*
  • Hepatitis A Virus, Human / immunology
  • Hepatitis A Virus, Human / pathogenicity*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Waste Disposal, Fluid*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral