Work-related Helicobacter pylori infection among sewage workers in municipal wastewater treatment plants in Belgium

Introduction Most studies among sewage workers of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have found a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms than among non-sewage exposed workers. Waterborne transmission of Helicobacter pylori ( H pylori ) has been hypothesised, as the bacteria can survive into an aqueous environment and has been detected in sewage. A health and hygiene questionnaire has demonstrated a higher prevalence of peptic ulcers among Belgian WWTP operators and maintenance workers than among non-sewage exposed colleagues. Objectives To assess the seroprevalence of H pylori infecti... Mehr ...