Occupational risk of HCV infection among slaughter house workers

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the risk of HCV infection among slaughter house workers (SHWs).Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 369 SHWs recruited from 3 governorates. A pre-questionnaire was filled. HCV antibody testing and PCR for positive cases were done.Results: HCV prevalence was 10.3 % among SHWs. It increased significantly with age (p=0.000) and differed significantly according to the place (p =0.034) ranging from 6.2in Al-basateen (Cairo) to 18.6% in Damanhur (Beheira). It was significantly (p =0.002) higher among veterinary assistants (66.7%) followed by manual workers (26.7%). Age older than 47 years, history of blood transfusion and history of schistosomiasis were the independent risk factors associated with HCV infection among SHWs.Conclusion: There is an occupational risk for HCV infection among Egyptian SHWs amongst whom veterinary assistants and manual workers had the highest risk.