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Hepatitis E virus infection and waste pickers: A case-control seroprevalence study
Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel1, Verónica Dayali Gutierrez-Martinez2, Eda Guadalupe Ramírez-Valles2
1Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition, Juárez University of Durango State, Durango, Mexico.
Journal of Medical Virology
|November 24, 2020
Summary
Waste pickers show a higher risk of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. This study found HEV exposure linked to age and raising pigs, suggesting waste picking is a risk occupation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection risks are not well-defined for waste pickers.
- Understanding HEV exposure in this population is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between HEV infection and the occupation of waste picking.
- To identify work-related factors contributing to HEV exposure among waste pickers.
Main Methods:
- An age- and gender-matched case-control seroprevalence study was conducted.
- 86 waste pickers and 86 general population controls were tested for anti-HEV IgG antibodies.
- Statistical analyses included McNemar's test, bivariate, and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Waste pickers had a significantly higher seroprevalence of HEV (16.3%) compared to controls (9.3%).
- HEV seropositivity was associated with increasing age and raising pigs.
- Ill status and impaired reflexes were linked to HEV exposure in bivariate analysis.
Conclusions:
- Waste pickers constitute a risk group for HEV infection.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies for waste pickers.
- Identifying risk factors can inform public health planning to mitigate HEV transmission.
