Hepatitis B infection among STD clinic patients in Sydney

Evidence of current or past infection with hepatitis B has been studied in 809 patients attending clinics for sexually transmitted diseases in Sydney by assaying serological markers. Prevalence rates were 13.9% among male heterosexuals; 13.5% among female heterosexuals; 30.7% among female prostitutes; 64.3% among male homosexuals and 47.1% among male bisexuals. The prevalence was 80% for male homosexuals aged 36 years or more. Vaccination should be considered for persons at high risk of sexual transmission of hepatitis B, and it is the immunization of this group that is likely to have a major impact on this disease.