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Tetanus immunity in construction workers in Italy
V Rapisarda1, M Bracci, G Nunnari
1Department of Internal Medicine and Systemic Diseases, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy.
Occupational Medicine (Oxford, England)
|April 8, 2014
Summary
Many Italian construction workers lack adequate tetanus protection, increasing their risk for this serious vaccine-preventable disease. Occupational health programs should target vaccination efforts, especially for migrant workers, to improve public health and legal compliance.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Tetanus poses a significant occupational health risk, particularly in Italy, which has the highest case numbers in Europe.
- Construction workers are identified as a high-risk group due to their increased exposure to tetanus pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the tetanus immunity status among construction workers in Italy.
- To identify factors associated with inadequate tetanus immunization in this occupational group.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 5275 construction workers undergoing occupational health surveillance in Italy.
- Serum tetanus antitoxin levels were measured and analyzed in relation to demographic and clinical variables.
Main Results:
- 78% (4116 workers) had protective tetanus antitoxin levels (>0.1 IU/ml).
- Inadequate immunization was significantly associated with older age (>58 years), lower educational attainment, unskilled labor, and being from Egypt or Morocco.
Conclusions:
- A notable percentage of Italian construction workers are not adequately immunized against tetanus, contrary to legal requirements.
- Occupational health professionals must prioritize and implement tetanus vaccination campaigns, with a focus on migrant workers, to ensure public health and legal adherence.
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