Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

Original Article

A Survey on the Status of Hepatitis E Virus Infection Among Slaughterhouse Workers in South Korea: Byung-Seok Kim, Hyun-Sul Lim, Kwan Lee, Young-Sun Min, Young-Sil Yoon, Hye-Sook Jeong; J Prev Med Public Health. 2015;48(1):53-61. Published online January 15, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.14.048

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Objectives
The seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) among high-risk groups overseas is high, but studies in these groups are rare in South Korea. We conducted the present study from April to November 2012 to obtain data on the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for HEV among slaughterhouse workers in South Korea.
Methods
Slaughterhouse workers from 80 workplaces nationwide were surveyed in South Korea in 2012. The subjects comprised 1848 cases: 1434 slaughter workers and 414 residual products handlers. By visiting 80 slaughterhouses, which were mixed with 75 of which also performed residual products handling, we conducted a questionnaire survey for risk factors and obtained blood samples in order to determine the seropositivity and seroprevalence of HEV. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM were measured using HEV IgG and IgM enzyme-linked immunospecific assay kits and HEV antigen was measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results
The seropositivity of anti-HEV IgG was 33.5% (slaughter workers 32.8% and residual products handlers 36.2%), and among the seropositive individuals the seroprevalence of anti-HEV IgM was 0.5% (slaughter workers 0.5%, residual products handlers 0.7%). The response rate of HEV-antigen as measured by RT-PCR was 0.2%. Risk factors significantly related to anti-HEV IgG seropositivity were age, sex , and working duration (slaughter workers only).
Conclusions
There were significant risk factors (sex, age, and working duration) for HEV identified in our study. All three positive cases for HEV-antigen by RT-PCR were related to pig slaughter but without statistical significance. To prevent HEV, an educational program and working guidelines may be needed for high risk groups.

Summary

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Epidemiological Aspects of Hepatitis E Virus Infections between South Korea and Japan
Myeong-Jin Lee, Won-Chang Lee, Young Hwan Kwon
The Korean Journal of Aerospace and Environmental Medicine.2022; 32(1): 27. CrossRef
Hepatitis E virus in professionally exposed: A reason for concern?
Anna Mrzljak, Ivan Balen, Ljubo Barbic, Maja Ilic, Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek
World Journal of Hepatology.2021; 13(7): 723. CrossRef

English Abstract

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Brucellosis among Slaughterhouse Workers in Korea.: Seok Ju Yoo, Young Sill Choi, Hyun Sul Lim, Kwan Lee, Mi Yeoun Park, Chaeshin Chu, Young A Kang; J Prev Med Public Health. 2009;42(4):237-242.; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.2009.42.4.237

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Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The incidence of zoonoses in Korea has increased recently. However, the study of high risk groups for zoonoses has not been conducted to date in Korea. Thus, we did this study to obtain data on brucellosis among slaughterhouse workers in Korea. METHODS: We evaluated the structure of slaughterhouses and the process of slaughtering by reviewing the relevant literature and doing field studies. We visited 73 slaughterhouses and 62 residual products handle houses across the country. In addition, we conducted a questionnaire survey of the work activities, and obtained blood samples in order to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis. The titers of brucellosis antibodies were measured using the standard tube agglutination test (SAT). We diagnosed subjects as seropositive for Brucellosis if the titers were more than 1:160. The data collected was evaluated using SPSS ver. 17.0. RESULTS: We included 1,503 subjects and obtained 1,482 blood samples among them: 849 workers involved in slaughtering, 351 handlers of residual products, 190 inspectors and their assistants, and 92 grading testers and their assistants. The seroprevalence of brucellosis among the slaughterhouse workers was 0.8% (95% CI=0.4-1.5). Broken down, the seroprevalence of brucellosis among the workers involved in slaughtering was 0.7% (95% CI=0.3-1.6), the handlers of residual products was 1.7% (95% CI=0.7-3.9) respectively. Risk factors for contracting brucellosis among slaughterhouse workers were being splashed with cattle blood around the mouth, cattle secretions around the body and not putting on protective apron while at work. CONCLUSIONS: An educational program is needed for high risk groups on zoonoses about the prevention of infection. Thus, effective working guidelines for workers who participate in the slaughter of animals must be developed in order to protect them from zoonoses.

Summary

Citations

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Seroepidemiologic evidence of Q fever and associated factors among workers in veterinary service laboratory in South Korea
Dilaram Acharya, Ji-Hyuk Park, Jeong-Hoon Chun, Mi Yeon Kim, Seok-Ju Yoo, Antoine Lewin, Kwan Lee, José Reck
PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.2022; 16(2): e0010054. CrossRef
Occupational exposure to livestock and risk of tuberculosis and brucellosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
M. Mukthar Mia, Mahamudul Hasan, Faija Sadia Pory
One Health.2022; 15: 100432. CrossRef
The impact of expanded brucellosis surveillance in beef cattle on human brucellosis in Korea: an interrupted time-series analysis
Sukhyun Ryu, Ricardo J. Soares Magalhães, Byung Chul Chun
BMC Infectious Diseases.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Spatial analysis to assess the relationship between human and bovine brucellosis in South Korea, 2005–2010
Jun-Sik Lim, Kyung-Duk Min, Sukhyun Ryu, Seung-Sik Hwang, Sung-Il Cho
Scientific Reports.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Obituary: Dr. Hyun-Sul Lim’s (1952-2018) life as an epidemiologist, occupational and environmental medicine researcher, and family physician
Sun Huh
Epidemiology and Health.2018; 40: e2018033. CrossRef
Vaccination of goats with a combinationSalmonellavector expressing fourBrucellaantigens (BLS, PrpA, Omp19, and SOD) confers protection againstBrucella abortusinfection
Mwense Leya, Won Kyong Kim, Jeong Sang Cho, Eun-Chae Yu, Young-Jee Kim, Yoonhwan Yeo, Kwang-Soo Lyoo, Myeon-Sik Yang, Sang-Seop Han, John Hwa Lee, Dongseob Tark, Jin Hur, Bumseok Kim
Journal of Veterinary Science.2018; 19(5): 643. CrossRef
Seroreactivity and Risk Factors Associated with Human Brucellosis among Cattle Slaughterhouse Workers in South Korea
Dilaram Acharya, Seon Hwang, Ji-Hyuk Park
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2018; 15(11): 2396. CrossRef
Seroprevalence of Brucellosis, Leptospirosis, and Q Fever among Butchers and Slaughterhouse Workers in South-Eastern Iran
Saber Esmaeili, Saied Reza Naddaf, Behzad Pourhossein, Abdolrazagh Hashemi Shahraki, Fahimeh Bagheri Amiri, Mohammad Mehdi Gouya, Ehsan Mostafavi, Jonas Waldenström
PLOS ONE.2016; 11(1): e0144953. CrossRef
Epidemiology of brucellosis among cattle in Korea from 2001 to 2011
Hachung Yoon, Oun-Kyong Moon, Soo-Han Lee, Won-Chang Lee, Moon Her, Wooseog Jeong, Suk-Chan Jung, Do-Soon Kim
Journal of Veterinary Science.2014; 15(4): 537. CrossRef
Awareness on Zoonoses among Pig Farmers in Korea
Seok-Ju Yoo, Hyun-Sul Lim, Kwan Lee
Journal of agricultural medicine and community health.2014; 39(4): 222. CrossRef
Time series analysis of human and bovine brucellosis in South Korea from 2005 to 2010
Hu Suk Lee, Moon Her, Michael Levine, George E. Moore
Preventive Veterinary Medicine.2013; 110(2): 190. CrossRef
Biossegurança no trabalho em frigoríficos: da margem do lucro à margem da segurança
Gabriela Chaves Marra, Luciana Hugue de Souza, Telma Abdalla de Oliveira Cardoso
Ciência & Saúde Coletiva.2013; 18(11): 3259. CrossRef
Occupational exposure assessment using antibody levels: exposure to avian leukosis/sarcoma viruses in the poultry industry
Kyung-Mee Choi, Eric S. Johnson
International Journal of Environmental Health Research.2011; 21(4): 306. CrossRef

Original Articles

The Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Teachers of Child-bearing Age in Cheju Island.: Jong Myon Bae, Hyun Jong Yang, Seong Chul Hong; Korean J Prev Med. 2001;34(4):444-446.

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Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
Toxoplasmosis is a member of the zoonosis group and may cause congenital infection. Antibody positive rates of toxoplasmosis were examined in high school students in Cheju, Korea to facilitate the study aim of examining the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in school teachers of child-bearing age in Cheju Island. METHODS: The study population comprised teachers of child-bearing age in primary, middle and high schools, aged 35 years and younger, who wished to be tested for Toxoplasma gondii antibodies (IgG) by the indirect latex agglutination test (ILA) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. RESULTS: The overall antibody positive rate was 3.8% in the study subjects (n=314), a rate which showed no significant difference due to birth place, history of bringing up pets, or history of contacting a cat. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in a population of child-bearing teachers in Cheju Island was the same as that previously reported in other parts of Korea.; Summary

The Seroprevalence and Related Factors of Helicobacter pylori Infection.: Yeung Wook Kim, Su Ill Lee, Byung Mann Cho, Young Sil Kim, Su Yong Kang, Oae Ri Cha, Don Kyoun Kim; Korean J Prev Med. 1996;29(3):669-678.

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Abstract PDF: Helicobacter pylori is now recognized as causative agent of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer, and strongly associated with development of gastric carcinoma. With development of sensitive and specific serologic tests to identify individuals infected with Helicobacter pylori, the epidemiologic study of this diseases has been investigated. But it's transmission route is not established, yet. The purpose of this study is to measure the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection in healthy children and young adults and to evaluate related factors for Helicobacter pylori infection in Korea. The seroprevalence of Ig G antibodies to Helicobacter pylori was determined using a Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay and we obtained the information, such as demographic characteristics, monthly household income, numbers of family members in the house, numbers of persons using same room, type of house, and type of drinking water through the questionnaire survey. The observed overall seropositivity rate was 25.7%. The rate is increased progressively from 5.8% in the age group 1~3 years to 44.4% in the age group 20~29 years(chi-square for trend, p<0.001). Especially, the rate increased steeply from 6.5% in the age group 4~6 years to 20.8% in the age group 7~9 years, and this suggested that elementary school age was the major acquisition time of Helicobacter pylori infection. In multivariate logistic regression model, age, numbers of family members in the house, and type of house was statistically significant variables for Helicobacter pylori infection. Each odds ratio(95% CI) were as follows; base to age group 1~9 years, age group 10~19 years 3.6(2.0~6.4), age group 20~29 years 7.3(4.1~13.1) and base to group of 1~3 family members, groups of 4~5 family members 2.1(1.1~4.0), group of 6 or more family members 2.7(1.3~5.4) and base to apartment, single and multihouse 1.9(1.1~3.5). Sex, monthly household income, numbers of persons using same room, and type of drinking water was not statistically significant for Helicobacter pylori infection.; Summary

Seroprevalence of antibody to the hepatitis C virus in methamphetamine abusers.: Jin Kyoo Kim, Ji Ho Lee, Byung Mann Cho, Soo Il Lee; Korean J Prev Med. 1991;24(4):465-472.

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Abstract PDF: This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection in drug abusers. The subjects were 141 inpatients who had been admitted to a general hospital with the symptoms and signs of methamphetamine intoxication. Seroprevalence of antibody to the hepatitis C virus(anti-HCV) was 60.3%,(85/141) and it was higher in the group with increased frequency and duration of drug abuse, but such a relationship was not found in the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg). These findings suggested the possibility of high prevalence of HCV infection in methamphetamine abusers, and the importance of repetitive percutaneous injection in the transmission of HCV infection.; Summary

English Abstract

Seroprevalence of Measles Antibody and its Attributable Factors in Elementary Students of Routine 2-dose Schedule Era with Vaccination Record.: Geun Ryang Bae, Hyun Sul Lim, Un Yeong Goh, Byung Guk Yang, Young Taek Kim, Jong Koo Lee; J Prev Med Public Health. 2005;38(4):431-436.

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Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
We investigated the seroprevalence of the measles antibody and its attributable factors for the students who underwent routine 2-dose Schedule Era. METHODS: The subjects were 996 students of the national measles seroepidemiologic study in December 2000 who had vaccination records. We conducted a questionnaire survey and we performed serologic testing for the measles specific IgG by using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The coverage for the first dose of the MMR vaccination at 12-15 months of age was 95.1% and the coverage for the second dose of MMR at 4-6 years of age was 35.0%. The proportion of subjects undergoing 2- doses of MMR decreased as the age of the subjects increased. The seropositive rate of the measles antibody was significantly high in the second dose vaccinees (93.5% in the second dose group, 84.7% in the non-second dose group, p< 0.001) and it was 72.0% in the 0-dose group, 85.4% in the 1-dose group and 93.7% in the 2-dose group (p< 0.001). Two point eight percent of the subjects had a past history of measles infection. On the multiple logistic regression analysis, the first and second dose (odds ratio, 8.54; 95% CI.=3.05-23.91), the first dose (odds ratio, 3.06; 95% CI.=1.20-7.81) and the outbreak in the year 2000 (odds ratio, 1.89; 95% CI.=1.24-2.88) were the significant factors for the eropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining high coverage with a 2-dose vaccination program would be the decisive factor to prevent an outbreak of measles and to eliminate measles in Korea.; Summary

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