Hepatitis B virus markers in prostitutes in Singapore.
The prevalence of hepatitis B virus markers in 121 men and 239 women prostitutes was studied. Of 33 (9.7%) with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), nine (27.3%) also had hepatitis Be antigen, which was more prevalent in men than women. Antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) and to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were found in about 71% of men and women prostitutes. Hepatitis B virus markers were more prevalent in men than in women prostitutes. Compared with other people, prostitutes had a significantly greater prevalence of hepatitis B virus markers. This study strongly suggested the importance of sexual transmission of infection with hepatitis B virus in a country where infection is endemic.
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000208:ethnology; D008296:Malaysia / Q000208:ethnology; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors; D011477:Sex Work; D012846:Singapore
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D006512:Hepatitis B Core Antigens; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens