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Liver disease among homosexual males
Lancet (London, England)
|April 28, 1979
Summary
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected in 5% of homosexual males. Many with abnormal liver tests had significant liver disease, indicating a need for further investigation in this population.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern.
- Homosexual males are a population at risk for sexually transmitted infections, including HBV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in homosexual males attending genitourinary clinics.
- To assess the liver health and disease severity in HBsAg-positive individuals with abnormal liver function tests.
Main Methods:
- Screening for HBsAg in 2612 homosexual males.
- Liver biopsy in 25 individuals with abnormal liver function tests.
- Serological testing for hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg).
Main Results:
- 5% of the cohort tested HBsAg positive.
- 56% of those with abnormal liver tests showed chronic active hepatitis or active cirrhosis on biopsy.
- Liver function tests and viral markers did not correlate with disease severity.
- 38% of HBsAg-positive patients were also HBeAg positive.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of homosexual males attending genitourinary clinics are HBsAg positive.
- Liver biopsy is crucial for assessing liver disease severity in asymptomatic HBsAg carriers with abnormal liver tests.
- HBeAg positivity indicates a high risk of transmission to sexual contacts.