title: Hepatitis B infection in prostitutes.
abstract: The prevalence of HBV markers in prostitutes is known to be higher than that of the normal population of similar age range in previous studies. This study showed a significant correlation between the duration of prostitution and the prevalence of HBV antibodies amongst the prostitutes. The prevalence of HBV antibodies doubled after the first year of prostitution. A two-year follow-up study of these prostitutes showed that 37% of HBsAg positive prostitutes lost the HBsAg. The seroconversion rate of HBsAg negative prostitutes was 10% during this two-year period. Early immunization against HBV infection should be considered in this high risk group in view of these findings.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D011477:Sex Work; D012846:Singapore; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens