High prevalence of HBV carriers among waste collectors in the largest landfill in Latin America

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a serious public health problem. Some professions are at an increased risk for HBV infection, such as recyclable waste collectors. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the prevalence of HBV carriers and vaccination coverage among waste collectors in the largest landfill in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area, as well as to determine the association between risk factors and HBV infection in the studied population. In this study 73 participants answered a questionnaire on their socio-demographic variables and occupational exposure to waste. All of the subjects in the study were tested for HBsAg and their vaccination cards were evaluated in order to assess their HBV vaccination status. The vaccination coverage among the individuals who had a vaccination card was 57.4%. The overall prevalence of HBsAg was 12.3%. The prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher among men (p = 0.002). However, no statistical differences were found in the prevalence of HBsAg between individuals with a history of occupational accidents involving sharp edges and non-injured individuals (p = 0.267). The results of this study demonstrate the need to strengthen prevention measures and increase HBV vaccination among waste collectors.