Infectious diseases affecting occupational divers: review of 2017 literature

Abstract

Background: Occupational divers are prone to many health risks. For instance, they can get infections. We reviewed the infectious diseases in occupational divers. Materials and methods: This is a literature review which went on up to 31.12.2017. The research was carried out on Medline and Scopus databases, in French and English languages. Results: Fifteen papers report cases of infections in occupational divers. They are mainly skin infections, but also ear-nose-throat and ophthalmological infections. Discussion and conclusions: According to data collected, infections among occupational divers are quite scarce. These diseases are not specific to the workplace, and are comparable with data on recreational diving. Prevention is mainly based on hygiene and equipment maintenance.