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Enteric parasites in workers occupationally exposed to sewage
Journal of Occupational Medicine. : Official Publication of the Industrial Medical Association
|April 1, 1984
Summary
Workers exposed to wastewater, including sewer and highway maintenance personnel, were studied for parasitic infections. Contrary to expectations, sewer workers showed lower infection rates than highway workers, with street cleaners at highest risk.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Wastewater exposure is a potential risk factor for parasitic infections in occupational settings.
- Previous studies, primarily outside the U.S., suggested higher infection rates among wastewater-exposed workers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of parasitic infections in U.S. sewer maintenance workers compared to highway maintenance workers.
- To identify specific job roles within these worker groups that may carry a higher risk of parasitic transmission.
Main Methods:
- Parasitologic examinations of stool specimens were conducted over a 12-month period.
- Study participants included sewer maintenance workers and highway maintenance workers.
- Infection rates were compared between the two occupational groups and within subgroups.
Main Results:
- Parasitic infections were found in 5.4% of sewer workers (3/56) and 14.5% of highway workers (10/69).
- Highway workers involved in street cleaning exhibited the highest infection rate.
- Infection rates among sewer workers were not higher than among highway workers in this U.S. midwestern cohort.
Conclusions:
- Occupational parasitic infections are not more frequent in U.S. sewer workers compared to controls.
- Street cleaning poses a potential risk for parasitic infections.
- Further research into specific transmission routes and prevention strategies for street cleaners is warranted.