Infectious disease occurrence in forestry workers: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Environmental Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Forestry workers encounter diverse environmental elements including wild animals, arthropods, plants, and soil.
• These elements can harbor various pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and eukaryotic parasites.
• Occupational exposures present a notable risk for acquiring infectious diseases in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the scientific literature on infectious disease risks faced by forestry workers.
• To identify common exposure routes and specific pathogens relevant to this occupation.
• To detail the role of various vectors in disease transmission among foresters.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of scientific publications.
• Analysis of studies detailing environmental exposures in forestry.
• Identification of documented infectious diseases and transmission pathways.

Main Results:

• Forestry workers are at elevated risk for infectious diseases due to occupational exposures.
• Key exposure routes include inhalation, direct contact, and vector-borne inoculation.
• Common vectors such as ticks, flies, mosquitoes, and Reduviidae bugs transmit relevant pathogens.

Conclusions:

• Environmental exposures pose a significant infectious disease risk to forestry workers.
• Understanding exposure routes and vectors is crucial for prevention strategies.
• Further research and targeted interventions are needed to protect this workforce.