Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among recyclable waste collectors in Central-West Brazil

Abstract

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a population of recyclable waste collectors (n = 431) was assessed using a cross-sectional survey in all 15 cooperatives in the city of Goiânia, Central-West Brazil. The HCV prevalence was 1.6% (95% confidence interval: 0.6-3.6) and a history of sexually transmitted infections was independently associated with this infection. HCV RNA (corresponding to genotype 1; subtypes 1a and 1b) was detected in five/seven anti-HCV-positive samples. Although the study population reported a high rate (47.3%) of sharps and needle accidents, HCV infection was not more frequent in recyclable waste collectors than in the general Brazilian population.

Seroprevalence, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Prevention of Hepatitis C among Municipal Waste Collectors in Penang Island, Malaysia

“…Surprisingly, we found that none of our respondents tested positive for antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV), despite significant occupational risk of Hepatitis infection among them as established in previous literature [14], [16][17][18]. The differences in prevalence of Hepatitis C between our study and earlier studies conducted in other parts of the world [10][11][12][13] is probably due to improved waste management practices (segregation, treatment and disposal) currently being implemented and enforced among residents and waste workers in Penang Island since 2016 [19]. In particular, waste segregation at source has been shown to reduce the risk of injuries and infections from sharps and other materials contaminated with human blood and blood products, and consequently reduce the transmission of Hepatitis among waste workers [16].…”

“…Like medical waste handlers, municipal waste handlers are among those at significant risk of HCV infection, owing to their occupational exposure to biohazards [9]. The prevalence of Hepatitis C was 1.6% among recyclable waste collectors in Brazil [10], 8.3% among a community of mainly garbage collectors in Egypt [11], 8.5% among garbage scavengers in Pakistan [12], and 43.3% among municipal waste collectors in Egypt [13]. One major reason for the apparently higher prevalence of Hepatitis C infection among municipal waste handlers is limited public awareness, poor knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding Hepatitis C prevention, their personal risk perception towards the disease, cultural practices and beliefs, myths regarding the disease, as well as socio-economic determinants of disease transmission among the population.…”

Healthcare Waste Management: A Case Study from Sudan

“…On average, waste workers who handled reused needles can get 3-5 NSIs per day [3]. For example, among collectors of recyclables in Brazil, Marinho et al [25] reported a rate of accidental NSIs of 47.3%. Indeed, incidences of infectious diseases such as hepatitis are often higher among HCP compared to non-HCP [26][27][28][29].…”

Hepatitis B and C in household and health services solid waste workers

“…The management of urban solid waste in urban centers is growing in complexity and receiving increasing attention from researchers because of the potential impact on the environment and on human health if not well managed 1,2,3,4 . Workers involved in management of these wastes are exposed to biological, chemical and physical risks to their health 2,5,6,7,8 .…”