Cutaneous warts in butchers

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Virology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Studies show elevated hand wart incidence in meat handlers.
• Human papillomavirus type 7 (HPV7) is frequently detected in meat handlers, but its origin remains unknown.
• The reasons for increased wart prevalence in this occupational group require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the high prevalence of hand warts and HPV7 in butchers.
• To identify potential risk factors associated with wart development in meat workers.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving abattoir workers, butchers, engineering fitters, and office workers.
• Subjects underwent interviews and dermatological examinations; wart scrapings were analyzed for HPV DNA using polymerase chain reaction.
• Prevalence rates of hand warts and specific HPV types (HPV1, HPV2, HPV7) were determined.

Main Results:

• Hand wart prevalence was significantly higher in abattoir workers (33.3%) and butchers (34.1%) compared to engineers (19.5%) and office workers (14.7%).
• HPV7 was the predominant virus in meat workers, detected in 76 individuals, while HPV2 was found in 94.
• No significant association was found between hand warts (including HPV2 and HPV7) and factors like hand trauma, working conditions, smoking, or atopy.

Conclusions:

• The elevated prevalence of hand warts in meat workers is primarily linked to HPV7.
• Findings suggest that components within animal flesh may facilitate HPV7 replication in the keratinized epithelium.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the specific mechanisms and sources of HPV7 transmission in this population.