8291697 Risk assessment of hepatitis B, C, A in workers exposed to biological risk

<h3>Objective</h3> The spread of biological agents in communities remains a serious public health concern and a significant occupational risk. This retrospective observational study assessed the occupational risk related to hepatotropic viruses HAV, HBV, and HCV in a sample of 628 workers from 15 Italian companies operating in waste collection/hospital cleaning (n=383), healthcare (n=113), and education/care sectors (n=132). The objective was to characterize seroprevalence, vaccination status, biological risk accidents, and identify associated risk factors. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> Data were collected from health records (period 2017-2024) and statistically analysed (Chi-square, T-Student, logistic regression) on a final sample of 431 workers for HBV/HCV and 326 for HAV (waste workers only). <h3>Results</h3> Results indicate an active HBV infection (HBsAg+) prevalence of 2.1% among waste collection/cleaning workers, all unvaccinated males. Past HBV infection was found in 3.02% of the total sample, with a significantly higher prevalence (9.4% of those tested) in the waste collection/cleaning group. Older age was the main risk factor for past HBV infection (OR=1.129), also associated with being born before 1980 and being unvaccinated. Anti-HBV vaccination coverage was low (26.9%), especially in the waste/cleaning group (12.5%). HCV infection overall prevalence was 1.62% (3.1% in the waste/cleaning group), associated with male sex and older age. Among waste workers, HAV seroprevalence was 44.2%, significantly correlated with age and job tenure (p&lt;0.001), with a vaccination coverage of 0.9%. Waste/cleaning workers showed a significantly higher risk of accidents (3.12% vs 0%), especially less experienced ones (≤2 years tenure). <h3>Conclusion</h3> In conclusion, waste collection/cleaning workers have an increased risk for HBV compared to other categories. The HAV prevalence among waste workers, linked to age and tenure, highlights the need for prevention. The effectiveness of HBV vaccination is confirmed (no cases among the vaccinated). Promotion of vaccinations (HBV/HAV), information, risk training, and PPE use are recommended, especially for less experienced waste workers.