Municipal waste workers and hepatitis B and C virus and HTLV infection a cross-sectional study

Globally, millions of individuals are infected with blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV). Municipal waste workers (MWWs) are recognized as vulnerable populations for acquiring these infections due to exposure to contaminated waste. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV, and HTLV infections among MWWs in Rasht, the most populous city in Guilan province in Northern Iran. In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2023, blood samples were collected from MWWs. Following serum separation, serological testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV antibodies, and anti-HTLV-1/2 antibodies was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Comprehensive demographic, behavioral, and medical history data were obtained through structured interviews, and data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21. Among 511 male workers (from 24 to 60 years old), 48 individuals (9.4%) reported no HBV vaccination, 70.4% had experienced injury by a sharp object in the waste, and 35.8% of them reported needle-stick injuries. Positive tests for anti-HCV antibodies, HBsAg, and anti-HTLV-1/2 were 3 (0.59%), 1 (0.2%), and 0 (0%), respectively. The seroprevalence of HCV observed in this study was marginally higher than that reported in the general population of Guilan province. Considering the high rate of occupational injuries among MWWs, it is imperative to implement comprehensive occupational health strategies such as routine screening, safety training programs to minimize exposure risks, and vaccination programs (for HBV vaccine if unvaccinated) for waste workers upon employment.