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Hepatitis B virus markers in prostitutes in Singapore

C L Goh, A Kamarudin, S H Chan

    Genitourinary Medicine
    |April 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Hepatitis B virus markers were more common in male and female prostitutes than the general population. This suggests sexual transmission is a key factor in endemic areas.

    Area of Science:

    • Hepatology
    • Virology
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern.
    • Understanding transmission routes is crucial for prevention strategies, especially in high-risk populations.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus markers among male and female prostitutes.
    • To investigate potential differences in marker prevalence between genders within this population.
    • To assess the significance of sexual transmission of HBV in an endemic setting.

    Main Methods:

    • Cross-sectional study involving 121 men and 239 women prostitutes.
    • Testing for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis Be antigen, antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs), and antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc).

    Main Results:

    • Overall prevalence of HBV markers was significantly higher in prostitutes compared to the general population.
    • Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected in 9.7% of individuals.
    • Hepatitis Be antigen was found in 27.3% of HBsAg-positive individuals, with higher prevalence in men.
    • Antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) and anti-HBc were present in approximately 71% of participants.
    • Men exhibited a higher prevalence of HBV markers than women.

    Conclusions:

    • Prostitutes represent a high-risk group for Hepatitis B virus infection.
    • Sexual transmission plays a significant role in HBV epidemiology within this population in endemic regions.
    • Public health interventions targeting prostitutes are essential for controlling HBV transmission.

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