Prevalence of hepatitis B antibody in prostitutes.
The possibility that hepatitis B is transmitted venereally was examined by determining the prevalence of hepatitis B antibody (anti-HB(S)) in populations with different levels of promiscuity. Of 258 prostitutes, 31% were anti-HB(S) positive, compared to 10% of 258 female age-matched blood donors, 10% of 48 nuns living in a convent and 15% of 94 nuns working as teachers. Prevalence of anti-HB(S) increased with increasing age. In the age group 40-49 years up to 72% of prostitutes were anti-HB(S) positive, whereas anti-HB(S) was found in only 23% of blood donors. The correlation of length of the registration period as a prostitute and frequency of venereal diseases to prevalence of anti-HB(S) supported the hypothesis that the agent of hepatitis B was transmitted sexually. This correlation was absent for echovirus type 12 and adenovirus type 10 antibody.
D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000276:immunology; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis*; D001782:Blood Donors; D002410:Catholicism; D029822:Enterovirus B, Human / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005860:Germany, West; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000635:transmission*; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011635:Public Health Administration; D012042:Registries; D011477:Sex Work; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D006511:Hepatitis B Antigens