© 1986 Oxford University Press
research-article |
Hepatitis B Infection in Prostitutes

*Middle Road Hospital Middle Road, Singapore 0718
**WHO Immunology and Training Centre Singapore
Deceased.
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.
Received 1 May 1985