An epidemiological survey of virus warts of the hands among butchers

Abstract

The prevalence of virus warts of the hands among butchers has been determined in three industrial butcheries by examining 536 meat-workers at their places of work. A prevalance of 23-8% has been found, which is significantly higher than the 8-5% prevalance found in 965 control adult subjects examined in different firms where manipulation of food does not occur. Further, the prevalence of virus warts of the hands has been found significantly higher in the 199 workers of one butchery (32-1%) than in 199 control subjects (10-1%) strictly matched for age and sex, and belonging to the same industrial area. In butchers, warts of the dorsal aspects of the hands are statistically less frequent than in control subjects when three localizations are considered (dorsal, palmar, dorsal plus palmar). No significant difference is observed when single localizations (dorsal or palmar) are considered. A definite explanation of the high prevalence of virus warts of the hands among butchers has not been found so far; some hypotheses are discussed in the light of the presnt study.

Histology of Benign Virus Induced Tumors of the Skin

“…Over 30% of butchers and workers have warts on the hands. This suggests the possibility of infection, and also that the diminished blood circulation of people working in cold rooms contributes to the incidence of warts (Peuter et al 1977).…”

Successful treatment of butcher's warts with imiquimod 5% cream

“…Over 30 years ago, viral warts of the hands were first noted to be more prevalent among butchers and others with frequent occupational exposure to raw meat, leading to the befitting designation of ‘butcher's warts.' A common viral aetiology was suggested, potentially carried or triggered by regular handling of meat, combined with occupational trauma that may increase risk of infection and transmission 1 . In 1994, a study by Keefe et al .…”

Lung cancer among butchers and slaughterhouse workers.

“…The prevalence of virus warts among slaughterhouse workers, including poultry slaughterhouse workers (40)(41)(42)(43)(44)(45), has been assessed in several studies and shows the following patterns: (i) the prevalence of virus warts among slaughterhouse workers is generally high, 24-47%; (ii) in studies which allow comparison with unexposed groups, there is a prevalence ratio of about 3; (iii) the high prevalence of virus warts is found in all departments of slaughterhouses, but one study (45) found a higher prevalence (47%) among "meat handlers" than among "non meat handlers," (31%).…”