Riesgo de enfermedades infecciosas asociadas exposición ocupacional

En este estudio revisaron 1239 artículos publicados entre 1999 y 2008, relacionados a exposición laboral a agentes infecciosos, no necesariamente relacionados al trabajo médico u hospitalario. Aunque el mayor riesgo de exposición a enfermedades infecciosas se observó en trabajadores de la salud, en contacto con animales y laboratoristas.

Juanita A Haagsma; Luqman Tariq; Dick J Heederik; Arie H Havelaar. Infectious Disease Risks Associated With Occupational Exposure. A Systematic Review of the Literature. Occup Environ Med. 2012;69(2):140-146. Gratuito si se registran.

Abstract

Employees in different types of work may be intentionally or accidentally exposed to biological agents. Improved risk assessment is needed to identify opportunities to prevent work-related infectious disease. The objective of the current study was to perform a systematic literature review of work-related infectious disease to assist in the identification of occupational infectious disease risks. A literature search of papers on work-related infectious disease published between 1999 and 2008 yielded 1239 papers of which 242 met the selection criteria and were included in the review. The results of the systematic literature review were arranged in a matrix of occupational groups and exposure pathways. Increased risk from infectious diseases appeared to be concentrated in specific professions. Healthcare workers, workers in contact with animals, laboratory workers and refuse workers seem to have the highest risk of infection by a variety of pathogens. However, pathogens reported to be associated with closely related professions were different, indicating qualitative under-reporting. Arranging the results of this systematic review on work-related infectious diseases in a matrix of occupational groups and exposure pathways allowed the reliable identification of exposure hazards for specific occupational groups beyond currently reported diseases. Free if you register.