Prevalence of hepatitis B antibody in prostitutes.

The possibility that hepatitis B is transmitted venereally was examined by determining the prevalence of hepatitis B antibody (anti-HB(S)) in populations with different levels of promiscuity. Of 258 prostitutes, 31% were anti-HB(S) positive, compared to 10% of 258 female age-matched blood donors, 10% of 48 nuns living in a convent and 15% of 94 nuns working as teachers. Prevalence of anti-HB(S) increased with increasing age. In the age group 40-49 years up to 72% of prostitutes were anti-HB(S) positive, whereas anti-HB(S) was found in only 23% of blood donors. The correlation of length of the registration period as a prostitute and frequency of venereal diseases to prevalence of anti-HB(S) supported the hypothesis that the agent of hepatitis B was transmitted sexually. This correlation was absent for echovirus type 12 and adenovirus type 10 antibody.