title: Infection by the hepatitis B virus in patients of a general hospital.
abstract: The prevalence of HBsAg and anti HBs was studied in 1062 inpatients in the city of Rio de Janeiro. HBsAg positivity rates were as follows: a) acute viral hepatitis: 37.8% b) chronic hepatitis 46.67% c) chronic liver disease without hepatitis: 7.69% d)  diabetes 3.08% e) lepromatous leprosy 2.35% f) others 2.01%. The carrier state is  emphasized. Anti HBs was less frequent in patients with acute viral hepatitis than in patients with other diseases (hepatic or not). The highest levels were: a) lepromatous leprosy: 57.65% b) drug addicts: 46.15% e) diabetes: 43.3%. The high anti HBs positivity is discussed.
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D002353:Carrier State; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000276:immunology; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens