Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B in Spanish prostitutes.
Eighty prostitutes were tested by solid-phase radioimmunoassay for serum markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Of 8 (10%) with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), 6 (75%) also had hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg). Antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) and to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were found in 52 (65%). Antibodies to HBeAg (anti-HBe) were positive in 32 (40%). Anti-HBc alone was found in 5 (6%) and anti-HBs alone in 2 (2%). Sixty-seven (84%) were positive for at least one HBV marker and 13 (16%) were still susceptible to infection. Hepatitis B markers were more prevalent in prostitutes than in the normal Spanish population. Age, a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), drug abuse and promiscuity are factors which were highly related to hepatitis B markers. We concluded that screening prostitutes for the presence of markers and vaccinating those who are negative would be worth while.
Requena Caballero
L
L
Department of Dermatology, Military Hospital, Gómez-Ulla, Madrid, Spain.
Requena Caballero
C
C
Requena Caballero
I
I
Sánchez López
M
M
Vázquez López
F
F
Romero Guerrero
J
J
Casado Jiménez
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D012307:Risk Factors; D011477:Sex Work; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D013030:Spain
D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens