Related Experiment Videos
Hepatitis B and C in heterosexual patients with various sexually transmitted diseases
E E Petersen1, R Clemens, H L Bock
1Universitätskrankenhaus Freiburg, Germany.
Insights
Heterosexuals with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) show significantly higher rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Vaccination against HBV is recommended for those with STDs or multiple partners.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are significant global health concerns.
- Sexual transmission is a potential route for HBV and HCV, particularly in populations with other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections in heterosexuals diagnosed with STDs.
- To compare these infection rates with a control group of healthy blood donors.
- To identify specific STDs associated with higher HBV and HCV prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Prospective serological assessment of HBV (anti-HBc, HBsAg) and HCV (anti-HCV) markers.
- Comparison of prevalence rates between 356 heterosexuals with STDs and 381 healthy blood donors.
- Analysis of HBV and HCV prevalence stratified by specific STD diagnoses.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher prevalence of anti-HBc (22.8% vs. 3.8%) and anti-HCV (5.3% vs. 0.5%) in STD patients compared to controls (p < 0.001).
- HBsAg positivity was observed in 18/81 (22.2%) of anti-HBc positive STD patients, compared to none in controls (p = 0.06).
- Syphilis and Chlamydia trachomatis infections showed the highest co-prevalence of HBV and HCV infections.
Conclusions:
- This study provides strong evidence for heterosexual transmission of HBV and HCV infections.
- Heterosexual individuals with STDs represent a high-risk group for HBV and HCV.
- Active vaccination against hepatitis B is strongly recommended for heterosexuals with STDs or multiple sexual partners.
Abstract:
The seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections were prospectively assessed in 356 heterosexuals with STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and compared to a control group of 381 healthy first-time blood donors. Eighty-one of 356 STD patients were anti-HBC positive (22.8%) compared to 14/381 blood donors (3.8%; p less than 0.001). In addition, 18 of the 81 anti-HBC positive STD patients, but none of the controls, were positive for HBSAg (p = 0.06). The prevalence for anti-HCV was also significantly higher in the STD group than in the controls (5.3% vs. 0.5%; p less than 0.001). Among the various STDs syphilis (anti-HBC: 67.5%; anti-HCV: 12.5%) and Chlamydia trachomatis infections (anti-HBc: 20.2%, anti-HCV: 8.1%) had the highest prevalence for both infections. This study provides strong evidence of heterosexual transmission of hepatitis B and C virus infections. Thus, heterosexuals with STDs or multiple partners should be actively vaccinated against hepatitis B.